Phone Lines Lite Up for Kids

One day for hope and healing benefits Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital

On December 19, 2019, the 106.7 LITE FM’s Hope for the Holidays radiothon raised over $520,000 for kids at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital at NYU Langone. The station’s on-air talent, including Cubby Bryant and Christine Nagy, teamed up for a one-day broadcast event inspiring over 1,600 New Yorkers to call and donate.

The 14-hour event featured the stories of courageous children and dedicated professionals who provide medical and supportive care. They include Julia, then 17, who was home alone when her dog bit her face, severely injuring her nose. After being stabilized at a local hospital, she came to Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, where surgeons performed multiple operations to successfully reconstruct her face. Now a junior in college, Julia is pursuing pre-med studies.

“I feel all children should enjoy their childhood, feel loved, and have the confidence to grow into adulthood so they can give to those that need it,” said Armie Balce, who called in after hearing Julia’s story

106.7 LITE FM’s Cubby & Christine chat with Julia about the medical and surgical care she received at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital.

 

Supporting urgent needs

The hospital relies on the generous support from the event for many programs and services. “The radiothon provides us with tremendous support from the community,” said Catherine S. Manno, MD, Pat and John Rosenwald Professor of Pediatrics and Department of Pediatrics chair.

The money raised from this event funds research to find cures for childhood illness and supportive services for children and families. One such program is Sala Family to Family Hours, in which parents of children receiving medical care can talk weekly at multiple inpatient and outpatient locations with other parents about the challenges of having a serious or chronically ill child. Almost 8,000 families received this support last year at Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital. 

Community in action

Over 130 volunteers make the event a success by taking calls and accepting donations from all over the New York City area. Several corporate partners gave their employees time away to give back. “We’re really proud to be involved because Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital has an excellent facility, excellent doctors, and excellent staff,” said Maryann Shegelski, TD Bank, a corporate partner.

Learn more about giving Hope for the Holidays.