Despite the challenges brought to light during the COVID-19 pandemic, our community continues to rally around the families cared for at American Family Children’s Hospital (AFCH). The latest evidence is the success of the 15th annual AFCH Radiothon, which was held October 21-23 on all of Mid-West Family’s radio stations.
In previous years, radio hosts would gather in the lobby at the children’s hospital and broadcast from 6am to 7pm, interviewing parents and patients who have been treated at the children’s hospital as they share their stories of survival and courage. Like so many other traditions, the storytelling went virtual this year. Families called in to be interviewed by radio hosts, and listeners called in to a safe phone bank to make their gifts.
At the end of the three days, gifts and pledges totaled $498,241. While this total fell short of the Radiothon’s fundraising goal, the campaign coordinators were moved by the response of everyone who contributed. The funds raised will support shared AFCH and Department of Pediatrics funding priorities including Patient and Family Support, Child Life, Child Health Advocacy, Research and Faculty Support, Care Innovation Initiatives (safety, pain program, palliative care program), and Pediatric Cancer patient care and research. If you missed the Radiothon but would still like to support these programs and initiatives, donations can be made through the University of Wisconsin Foundation.
Thank you to all of the providers who nominated patients to be interviewed and to all at AFCH who provide the outstanding care that our families brag about!