Mississippi Miracles Radiothon raises $335,981 for state’s only children’s hospital
Published on Monday, March 4, 2024
By: Annie Oeth, aoeth@umc.edu
Photos By: Jay Ferchaud, Lindsay McMurtray/ UMMC Communications
Last week, Mississippians gave from their hearts to support the state’s only children’s hospital through the Mississippi Miracles Radiothon at Children’s of Mississippi, raising an incredible $335,981 in two days.
Broadcasting from the Kathy and Joe Sanderson Tower, the 23rd annual event featured on-air personalities from 13 New South Radio stations interviewing Children’s of Mississippi patients and their families.
Jackson radio stations Y101, Mix 98.7, U.S. 96, 93.5 The Legend, Blues 93.1 and Q101 from Meridian called the BankPlus Community Room home Feb. 29 and March 1, broadcasting from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.
Vicksburg stations K Hits 104.5, River 101.3 and 92.7 The Touch, Jackson’s 102.1 The Box, and 97 OKK, Kiss 104.1 and 95.1 The Beat of Meridian joined in, telling the Children’s of Mississippi story from their studios.
Courtney Gilner, mom of Children's of Mississippi patients Jackson, center, and Harper, not pictured, along with dad Julian, tells her family's story during Mississippi Miracles Radiothon.
The two days of Radiothon “mean everything to us,” said Kelly Crocker, general manager of Digio Strategies/New South Radio. “Our staff put so much time and preparation into Radiothon every year, and they love it. They put their hearts and souls into the 12-hour days of Radiothon every year. It’s a true labor of love.”
Said Ryan Johnson, a Q101 on-air personality: “This is our favorite time of the year.”
Funds raised during the event go to purchase items that provide care and comfort for Children’s of Mississippi patients and their families. These range from a playground crawl tunnel and physical therapy tricycles to recliners for patient rooms.
For families of Children’s of Mississippi patients, the two days of Mississippi Miracles Radiothon are a chance to support the children’s hospital and their children’s care team.
For the Neely family of Grenada, those experts include surgeons, ophthalmologists, audiologists and speech therapists, all part of the craniofacial team at the Stephanie and Mitchell Morris Center for Cleft and Craniofacial Research and Innovation. As an infant, son Charlie was diagnosed with craniosynostosis, a condition in which the skull bones fuse too early, before the brain is fully formed.
The Neelys, Turner and Nikki, went to Children’s of Mississippi for a second opinion. They agreed on a care plan including two surgeries and helmet therapy.
Nikki Neely holds son Charlie while doing an interview with Ryan Johnson of Q101.
“We didn’t want to feel like a number,” said Nikki Neely about taking Charlie to see craniofacial surgeon Dr. Laura Humphries. Throughout Charlie’s care, “they have made us feel comfortable.”
Turner agreed. “This feels like a home away from home.”
Charlie is now an active 2-year-old who loves playing, dancing and jumping with his big brother, Tate.
Dallas Jordan, 23, of Pearl was treated for Ewing’s sarcoma at Children’s of Mississippi as a 13-year-old. She shared the importance of having the state’s only children’s hospital ready when she needed it.
“I was perfectly healthy until I wasn’t,” she said. “To have a place like this that’s supported by so many people out there who give to help is amazing.”
Victoria Walker of Jackson agreed. Her 3-year-old daughter, Taliyah Walker, started her life in neonatal intensive care at Children’s of Mississippi.
“This is a community,” she said, “This is family. If you’re in any doubt about whether your child can overcome, come to this hospital. Come here.”