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Update: Over $1 million raised during Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital radiothon

Nov 6, 2024 | 11:16 AM

Editor’s note: This story was updated at 5:45 p.m. on Wednesday to include the total amount of funds raised and comment from the JPCH Foundation.

Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital (JPCH) Radiothon presented by CIBC Wood Gundy raised $1,010,204 for children and families, providing critical care for Saskatchewan’s ‘Little Hearts and Little Lungs’.

This year, donations will provide pediatric cardiac and respiratory equipment at JPCH and across Saskatchewan.

“The past two days of Radiothon have been filled with incredible moments and generous support. Your contributions will provide world-class pediatric cardiac and respiratory equipment for Saskatchewan’s Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital. Thank you to everyone who tuned in, picked up the phone, and made a meaningful difference for our youngest patients. Your generosity helps us serve over 83,000 children and moms-to-be from 575 Saskatchewan communities who visit JPCH each year,” said Brynn Boback-Lane, President and CEO of Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation.

“Today’s announcement reflects the power of partnership and the collective compassion of Saskatchewan people, showing once again that ‘we take care of one another.'”

More than 30 radio stations across the province took part in the radiothon, including Pattison Media stations in Prince Albert, Melfort, North Battleford and Meadow Lake.

The foundation said donors will help provide cutting-edge tools for the diagnosis and management of various breathing disorders including asthma, cystic fibrosis, sleeping disorders, premature lung disorders, and congenital airway anomalies. Enhancements like fetal heart monitors are vital equipment used in assessments and are fundamental in labour and birth. The information is used to determine how quickly an infant may need to be delivered or how best to manage labour effectively. Last year, there were 5,330 babies born at JPCH.

Over the course of the radiothon broadcast, listeners heard ‘Miracle Stories’ like that of seven-month-old Mark from Makwa, Sask. He defied all odds, staying in utero nearly nine weeks after his mother Katie’s water broke at 18 weeks of pregnancy. Mark was born a few weeks later through an emergency caesarean. As of today, the baby has spent the majority of his life intubated and in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), but has recently been extubated to non-invasive ventilation in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at JPCH.

“It has been a rollercoaster and the hardest time of our lives. You never imagine this would happen to you or your child,” Katie said.

Mark from Makwa, Sask. has spent the majority of his life at JPCH. (Submitted photo/JPCHF)

Mark’s largest challenge is his underdeveloped lungs. As a result, he has required ventilator support, high oxygen and medications to manage complications with his heart. Despite this, his parents still find moments of joy and connection with their son.

“The staff is truly wonderful and take care of my boy like he’s their own. They continue to go above and beyond, and do things like decorate, make signs and even created a onesie for him. It puts smiles on our faces every day.”

Katie said donating will allow JPCH to continue their phenomenal care, innovate and improve how they can make patients and their families feel more comfortable during their stay.

To make an online donation, click here.

All funds raised during the two-day broadcast were being matched by Gord and Barb Broda of Prince Albert, up to $150,000.

panews@pattisonmedia.com

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