STAR 105.7 Radiothon to Support Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation will host its 10th annual radiothon December 16 through 18 on STAR 105.7/WOOD FM. The community is invited to call or stop by Celebration! Cinema South from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. to pledge financial support. Gifts are also accepted by calling 877.953.KIDS or 616.391.2999 to the phone bank staffed by volunteers or online at devoschildrens.org/radiothon. All funds raised will benefit vital programs and services, such as child life, center for child protection and neurodevelopmental pediatrics at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital.

Hosted by Tommy and Brook from STAR 105.7, the event will feature live interviews with families and pediatric specialists. In addition, the broadcast will include four taped stories of hope and inspiration from the following patients:

Haley Harrington was diagnosed with type I diabetes and now manages her diabetes through a pump enabling her to live life like any other adolescent. The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital endocrinology program is one of the largest in Michigan and helps children live active lifestyles despite their diabetes.

Jonathan Koster was born with Golderhars syndrome and has undergone 17 surgeries at Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital with craniofacial specialist Robert J. Mann, MD. Jonathan enjoys singing and playing music today after his facial reconstruction surgeries.

Libby Niefert was just 8 months old when she was nearing the end of treatment for bilateral retinoblastoma, or eye cancer. Then her parents received devastating news: Libby also had neuroblastoma, or a brain tumor, and had less than a 2 percent chance of survival. After a long journey, Libby is now 5 years old and thriving.

Destini Ricketts was diagnosed with a heart murmur at birth and was transferred to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital when she was just a few days old. She underwent two minimally invasive procedures through cardiac catheterization to avoid open heart surgeries. Destini is now an active toddler.

Sponsors of the radiothon include:

The Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Foundation’s mission is to save lives and advance the health and well-being of children and families through philanthropy. Visit devoschildrens.org/give to learn how to make a difference.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a member of Spectrum Health, is a Grand Rapids-based hospital serving children throughout Michigan. A teaching hospital, it includes more than 150 pediatric specialty physicians with specialized training in providing medical and surgical care to children in more than 40 pediatric specialties. Visit devoschildrens.org to learn more or devoschildrens.org/2011 to learn about the new hospital opening in 2011.