August 14, 2014

Radiothon raises nearly $26,000 for LLU Children's Hospital

Emersyn "Emmy" Harper poses with her KOLA Bear that she received during transport to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital as an infant.

KOLA 99.9 FM held the 12th annual KOLA Cares for Kids Radiothon on August 8, raising nearly $26,000 for Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

“KOLA continues to make a huge difference for children in our community,” says Jillian Payne, executive director for LLU Children’s Hospital Foundation. “The entire KOLA team personally gets involved in raising awareness and vital funds for our Children’s Hospital. We are deeply grateful for the support of KOLA and their listeners for helping us provide lifesaving care to our kids.”

The station aired the radiothon live from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., during which time listeners could call in, go online, or text to donate. Children’s Hospital employees, KOLA talent, and other community members volunteered their time to answer phones during the event.

Patients and family members also shared their personal testimonials about being treated at LLU Children’s Hospital on the air, including Tierra Harper, mom to now 1-year-old Emersyn, or “Emmy,” who was transported to Children’s Hospital as an infant after being born nearly three months prematurely with pyloric stenosis. “The muscle connecting her stomach to her small intestines had become thickened and didn’t allow food to exit her stomach,” Harper said of her daughter’s condition.

“Although we were very nervous for her to go into surgery,” she continued, “We felt confident in the doctors and surgical team. They were ready to answer any questions we had, talk us through step by step of what would happen during surgery, and what we should expect afterwards. It really helped put our minds at ease.”

For every $99.90 donated through the radiothon, Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital receives a KOLA Bear, which are used during transport and throughout other areas of the hospital to calm a child—and sometimes a parent—in a traumatic situation. The Children’s Hospital transport team considers KOLA Bear part of their team, just like any piece of equipment, and takes them on every call. Five hundred bears were generated through this year’s radiothon, and over the past 12 years, over $1.2 million has been raised.

“Patients like Emmy remind us how important something as simple as a little stuffed bear can mean to a child, or even a parent,” said Gary Springfield, program director, KOLA 99.9 FM. “This radiothon is just one way we can give back to the hospital that does so much for the kids in our community.”

During transport, Emmy’s mom received a KOLA Bear for her daughter, which she still has today. “She is a happy and healthy 1-year-old. Her strength amazes us every day.” 

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