‘It’s unbelievable’: On Air for Healthcare Radiothon surpasses goal with $211k raised for dialysis patients

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'It's unbelievable': On Air for Healthcare Radiothon surpasses goal with $211k raised for dialysis patients

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Fransoo said his grandfather underwent dialysis treatment at the hospital years ago. During appointments, he made Christmas ornaments for each of his grandchildren.

“Me and my brothers, we still have those, those different ornaments that he had made and they’re probably some of the most beloved Christmas ornaments that we have on the tree,” he said.  

Years later, Fransoo watched his uncle go through kidney failure as well.

“The dialysis and the time that he spent with that ‘borrowed time’ is basically what you can call it because it’s a reality that this is going to keep you alive,” he said.  

For Owen Pearson, a first-time radiothon host with CJNB/CJNS, that story became one of the defining moments of the day.

“I thought that was the most beautiful story I’ve heard all day,” Pearson said.  

Pearson was also impressed by how the community.

“It’s the best. It’s the atmosphere. We’ve said it all day. It’s the community. It’s how everyone comes together. In one day to raise over 200 grand, it’s unbelievable… I’m lost for words,” he said.  

As donations poured in during the final stretch of the 12-hour fundraiser, organizers watched the total climb past the goal.

“That last push for the last 90 minutes was absolutely amazing. And we blew by the goal,” said CJNB/CJNS morning host Grant Schutte.  

“It’s just a wonderful feeling to know that the community comes behind,” he added.  

Battlefords Healthcare Foundation executive director Leanne Ducommun said the fundraiser will help improve comfort and care for dialysis patients who spend hours in treatment each week.

“It’s what keeps the foundation team doing what we do and continue to do, and we’re going to continue to keep doing what we do and getting that equipment and really making sure that we can have the best healthcare close to home as possible,” she said.  

Thank you, Battlefords, you have done it again.

Donations continue to be accepted online at buhfoundation.com.

From left, Saskatchewan Country CJNB host Matt Ryan, CJNB/CJNS afternoon host Owen Pearson, Battlefords Healthcare Foundation executive director Leanne Ducommun, CJNB/CJNS morning host Grant Schutte, and 93.3 Beach Radio host Nic Fransoo pose during the 11th annual On Air for Healthcare Radiothon at Battlefords Union Hospital on May 8, 2026. (Image Credit: battlefordsNOW staff)

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Kenneth.Cheung@pattisonmedia.com