Children’s of Mississippi patients, families share stories during Mississippi Miracles Radiothon
Published on Monday, February 27, 2023
By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu
Photos By: Lindsay McMurtray/ UMMC Communications
How much inspiration can fit inside two days of broadcasting? Children’s of Mississippi will find out March 2-3 during the 22nd annual Mississippi Miracles Radiothon.
Thirteen Digio Strategies radio stations – Y101, Mix 98.7, U.S. 96, 93.5 The Legend and Blues 93.1 in Jackson; Vicksburg stations K Hits 104.5, River 101.3, 92.7 The Touch and 102.1 The Box; and 97 OKK, Q101, Kiss 104.1 and 95.1 The Beat of Meridian – will broadcast 12 hours each day. The combined 24 hours of live radio will spotlight Children’s of Mississippi patients and families as they share their medical journeys with listeners.
Children's of Mississippi patient Dempsey Donahoo smiles at the Mix 98.7 radio booth during the 2022 Mississippi Miracles Radiothon.
Broadcasting will start at 6 a.m. March 2 in the BankPlus Community Room of the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower at Children’s of Mississippi and will continue until 6 p.m. After the 6 a.m.-to-6 p.m. broadcasting day March 3, the Mississippi Miracles Radiothon total will be announced. Listeners can call (601) 496-KIDS (5437), text GROW to 51555 or visit the radiothon webpage to donate.
HospodorMississippi Miracles Radiothon has moved from a three-day format to two days this year, which will bring more energy to both days of this year’s Mississippi Miracles Radiothon, said Jen Hospodor, director of community development, annual giving and alumni engagement at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.
“The condensed format focuses on the two days that have consistently been when most donations are made,” Hospodor said. “While Mississippi Miracles Radiothon will be a day shorter this year, we think listeners will be touched by the stories of our patients and their families.”
For Scott Steele, marketing specialist and an on-air personality for 93.5 The Legend, Mississippi Miracles Radiothon broadcast days are the best of the year.
“The radiothon is absolutely the highlight of our year as a corporate family,” Steele said. “It's our honor to recruit more people to give to this awesome hospital. I've seen so many miracles over the last two decades because so many people have given generously.”
Chelsea Bates, mom of Nolee Jones, the state's 2022 Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champion, tells her family's story on the air during last year's Mississippi Miracles Radiothon.
The quality of care at the state’s only children’s hospital, Steele said, is an inspiration.
“To see the way the hospital staff cares for kids and their families is nothing short of spectacular. This hospital is literally an investment in the future of our state,” he said. “To each and every one of you who works at Children's of Mississippi I can't thank you enough for what you do every day. Whether you're mopping floors or repairing heart valves. It takes every one of you to make miracles happen. We see you making a difference – now it's our turn!”
UMMC development liaison Kathryne Lewis urges listeners to "put their money where the miracles are" during last year's Mississippi Miracles Radiothon.
Mississippi Miracles Radiothon listeners pledged $441,544 during the 2022 event. During the past 21 years, more than $7.54 million has been raised to purchase medical equipment as well as Items to bring comfort to patients and their families.
"Each member of our Miracle Giving Club helps Children’s of Mississippi patients every day,” said Kathryne Lewis, a development liaison at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. “The many businesses and individuals who give during Mississippi Miracles Radiothon do so from their love of Mississippi’s children and families.”