Radio Day returns in support of Mom, Baby, and Pediatrics
The Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation is gearing up for the 15th annual Radio Day, supporting moms, babies, and pediatric patients in Cape Breton. Over the past 14 years, the community has rallied around Radio Day, helping to raise more than 9 million dollars for health care on the island.
Last year’s event raised more than $678,000, which included 100 per cent of funds needed to purchase a new echocardiogram machine for Cardiac Services at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital (CBRH).
This year, the Foundation is asking for support for some of the littlest Cape Bretoners, and their families, when they need it most.
“I think it’s important to remember that just because we have a baby or our child has a medical emergency, the rest of life does not stop,” says Jillian Delorey, medical social worker for Women and Children’s Health at the CBRH. “Parents and guardians have had to leave their jobs to be able to carry a pregnancy safely to full-term or to be with their sick child, and there’s a lot of uncertainty – medically, emotionally, and financially. Seeing the relief in a family’s eyes when I tell them there are funds to support them is incredible. And it’s all thanks to the donors of the Foundation.”
The Mom and Baby TLC and Pediatrics TLC funds disburse more than $70,000 to patients in need annually, allowing families to focus on their health, rather than their finances, during some of their scariest days.
“When Tucker was airlifted to the IWK, we had to stay in Halifax for almost six weeks,” says Brittany Hopkins, Administrative and Stewardship Assistant, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. “Our entire stay was covered by the amazing donors of the Foundation. We were able to put all of our focus on caring for our son instead of worrying about financial burdens, especially since we both had to take leave from work.”
Each year, over 900 babies are born at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, and approximately one third are born into poverty. By giving on October 6, donations will help cover expenses for those in need such as travelling to and from specialist appointments in Cape Breton, Halifax, and Toronto; necessities such as groceries; parking passes for those with long hospital stays; newborn care supplies such as diapers; medications not covered by insurance; and much more.
“More than 26 little patients and families rely on the Pediatrics TLC fund each month, a number that has more than doubled in the past five years,” says Paula MacNeil, CEO, Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. “Especially with inflation and the rising costs of living, the Mom and Baby TLC and Pediatrics TLC funds are essential for many families, right here at home.”
Radio Day takes place on Thursday, October 6. Listeners can tune in and give back by listening to Hot 101.9 or New Country 103.5 from 6am-6pm. During Radio Day Power Hours, listeners have the opportunity to match their donations, up to $10,000. From 8-9am is the MECO Construction DKI Power Hour, 12-1pm is the Schwartz Furniture Power Hour, and 4-5pm is the Jim Sampson Motors Power Hour. New this year is the online matching partner, where Freshii Sydney will match all online donations made throughout the day up to $10,000. To learn more about on Radio Day 2022, visit radioday.ca.