Miracles Changing Voices

Around the country events are taking place to help fund children's hospitals. It is a large effort modeled after the tremendous philanthropy of Danny Thomas and continued by his daughter Marlo Thomas. And while the various fundraisers for St. Jude's Hospital in Memphis continue across the nation, the more inclusive Children's Miracle Network is hard at work supporting many hospitals that have a special focus on treating sick children.

From St. Paul, Minnesota, to Corpus Christi, Texas, San Diego to Bangor, Maine, large and small, stand alones and part of larger complexes, these hospitals enrich a community and add a critical resource to the families that live there.

In Akron, Ohio the special radio driven event is called, "Have a Heart, Do Your Part Radio Telethon." Began in the late 90's, it has raised millions of dollars for Akron Children's Hospital.

The team at the radio station I worked for in the 90's was instrumental in committing to this effort. There were and are very special people, both on the hospital side and the radio production and marketing efforts. But when all the planning was completed, and that was a monumental effort, and the station turned its broadcast day over to the fundraising, it became a real show.

Matt Patrick, the veteran morning personality and one of the most recognized talents in the area, would grab the microphone and take on the role of "last man standing," in a marathon effort to keep the phones ringing and the pledges coming in. In his last year in 2009, a decidedly difficult year for the country and the region especially, the Radiothon raised just over one million dollars. This does not happen in markets three times the size of Akron!

This year is the first year after Mr. Patrick's separation from the station. The Radiothon is scheduled for the weekend closest to Valentine's Day, February 12 - 13 and is hosted by Keith Kennedy and Krissy Taylor. Keith is also the director of programming for the Clear Channel outlet in Akron/Canton and Krissy was retained from the Matt Patrick era. The show is different, but no less compelling. The stories from families and kids, the outpouring of care and cash from a close-knit community continues to prove that Akron is the Gold Standard for Children's Miracle Network Radiothons everywhere.

It is generally accepted that the totals might fall short of last year, but the new generation of talent and energy could usher in a revitalized effort, and the real winners will be the kids.