Hasbro Children's Hospital Radiothon Raises $400,000

Generous Rhode Islanders opened their wallets to the tune of $400,000 on Thursday to support efforts at Hasbro Children’s Hospital during an annual radiothon.

The 15-hour event was held at the Warwick Mall in Warwick and broadcast live on Culumulus Providence radio stations: (92 PRO-FM, Lite Rock 105, News Talk 630 & 99.7 WPRO and Hot 106).

“Words alone cannot express our hospital’s gratitude for the community’s incredibly generous outpouring of support and for our partnership with Cumulus Providence to make the Radiothon a reality,” said Margaret M. Van Bree, MHA, DrPH, president of Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s Hospital. “Every emotional story shared over the airwaves by our patients and their families gave listeners a glimpse of the miracles that happen at our hospital each day; miracles that are made possible in large part thanks to philanthropy.”

As the areas leading children’s hospital, Hasbro is a place where families experience the highest of highs and lowest of lows as sick and injured children come for treatment. It’s a place that no parent ever wants to bring their children but every parent feels fortunate to live in proximity; some of the most advanced and comprehensive medical care and research occurs at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.

Throughout the Radiothon, listeners heard moving stories of hope and healing from patients, families and hospital physicians. The stories captured emotional triumphs on conditions as varied as pediatric cancer, surgery, kidney transplantation, rare birth disorders, and more.

This year, the organizers incorporated social media into the event, encouraging listeners to interact with the radiothon on Facebook including a chance to “meet” patients online.

The event also featured visits from Eliot Tatelman, CEO of Jordan’s Furniture, Miss Rhode Island Ivy DePew, Miss Teen Rhode Island USA Mary Malloy, Miss Rhode Island USA Anea Garcia, players from the Providence Bruins, and New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski.

In one of the Radiothon’s most touching moments, Gostkowski spent time taking photos and signing autographs for 6 year-old Braylon O’Neill. Born without the tibia and fibula bones in both of his legs—a condition which affects fewer than 1 in 1 million people—Braylon had his lower legs amputated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital when he was three-and-a-half. Now fitted with space-age mechanical prostheses, Braylon’s appearance in Microsoft’s Super Bowl ad this past February has become a beacon of inspiration for many.

“On behalf of the employees of 92 PRO-FM, Lite Rock 105, HOT106 and 630WPRO & 99.7 WPRO, we were honored to broadcast the 11th annual Radiothon to benefit the children of Hasbro Children’s Hospital,” said Barbara Haynes, market manager of Cumulus Providence radio stations. “I am grateful to all the families for sharing their stories and to Cox Business Solutions for making it possible for all the stations to broadcast live from the Warwick Mall. A big ‘thank you’ to the many sponsors and donors for their generosity and their desire to improve the lives of children and families treated at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.”

Among the Radiothon’s many sponsors, several of which matched gifts during special “power hours” and volunteered to answer calls at the phone bank, were Alex and Ani Charity by Design, Alexander’s Uniforms, Chelo’s Hometown Bar & Grille, Cox, Cox Business, David D. Schuller, Dunkin’ Donuts, East Commerce Solutions, Inc., Hasbro, Inc., Jordan’s Furniture, Lamar, Murray Outdoor Communications, Pepsico, Rhode Island Air Show, RI Credit Union, Rhode Island Public Transit Authority, Roman Catholic Diocese of Providence, Walmart, and Warwick Mall.

Since its inception in 2005, the Radiothon has raised more than $6.8 million in support of Hasbro Children’s Hospital.