Login to access the Mix Insider
Not a member? Sign up here.


E-Mail:

 
OR
 
Login via
Close [X]
Login to access the Mix Insider
Not a member? Sign up here.

E-Mail:

 
OR
 
Login via
Close [X]
 


Do you have a story about how Lurie Children's, the previous Children's Memorial Hospital, or Eric & Kathy's 36 Hour Radiothon has touched you?
Posted:Friday, 08/24/2012 at 05:08pm
Click Add Comment and share your thoughts!
Add Comment


LISTENER COMMENTS

Melissa YaroszMonday, 09/10/2012 04:23pm
Very proud of my kids & neighborhood kids who had lemonade stand & book/stuffed animal sale this past week & have made over $60! They are going to donate to Chicago Children's Lurie Hospital . WTMX had annual radiothon this past wek to raise money so they are excited to contribute. They have inspired me....I may have to match their donation! I have received emails from friends who are also going to match the kids' $60 donation!!!


CaitlinSaturday, 09/08/2012 04:26pm
I've wanted to post this for a few years so here it goes. My dad has worked at Children's ever since I was a kid. His pager has been a constant presence all my life. As a child, I hated that thing. It would go off at all hours of the day no matter what was going on. There were so many times I wanted to get a hammer and smash that thing to little bits. I've grown out of my anger it wasn't till I started listening to your radiothon that I realized the amazing things that dad is a part of that I became proud of him. Now I love when his pager goes off it means I can tell people what my dad does. I'm still not in a place in my life where I can give monitary to this amazing hospital but I can tell all the listeners this hospital really does employ the best and does the best work. I also know how much all the doctors apperciate everything that this radiothon does every year, so thank you to everyone who has any part of this.

Sue CookSaturday, 09/08/2012 03:31pm
Thanks for all that you do.

SamanthaSaturday, 09/08/2012 03:25pm
I'm driving to New York, and I have been listening to the Eric and Kathy 36-hour Radiothon for Lurie Children's Hospital (Children's Memorial) this morning.  I have listened to it (and donated when I could) every year since I became a mom.  It always has made me feel so grateful- they often  say things like "Do you realize how many things have to go right to have a healthy child?"  And I think of my boys, and some experiences that we had early on in my pregnancies- just all of the things that could have gone wrong that didn't- and it has always made me think about how lucky I am, even if it doesn't feel like it right then. 

These families come on the radio to tell their stories, and  so many of them say things like "I listened to this Radiothon every year, but no one ever thinks they're going to end up here".  And then a month ago, I was sitting, alone, at five in the morning, staring out the window in my son's hospital room at Children's, just shocked, and confused, and scared, and overwhelmed, and exhausted from having been up for days, and the same ridiculous thought just kept running through my head:  "I listen to that Radiothon every year, and I never once thought that one of my kids would be here. How did this happen?" 

 He was treated so differently at Children's than at any of the other places we have been to in the past several months.  Misdiagnosed over and over, he would be in as much pain when we left as he was when we got there.  But from the minute we walked through the door at Children's, everything was different.  And even though we haven't necessarily gotten the answers we want, I shudder to think of what life would be like right now if this hospital wasn't there. Even before we brought him to Children's, it was a comfort to know just that it was there, and if things continued to get worse, we had that option so close.  Now I just wish we had taken him sooner!

As far as bad things go, we were so incredibly fortunate. His stay was short. He will continue to see doctors here for the next several years.  I can't help but to feel lucky: when I think about all the stress the never-ending schedule of doctor's appointments, and tests, and unanswered questions have put on my family these past few months, and how hard it was to see my son in pain for so long, and desperately want to do the right thing but have no idea what that was- I remember that some families do this FOR YEARS.  It boggles my mind;  I don't even know how it's possible.  We are so lucky that we have good insurance, and that my son had treatment options.  A lot of families do not have these things, and again, I can't begin to imagine.  And we, as a community, are so lucky to have this hospital.

I cannot even begin to express how appreciative I am that this hospital exists, or that his pediatrician made the call to send him up there.  It is just an amazing place.

Michelle KishSaturday, 09/08/2012 02:21pm
Hi my name is Michelle Kish. I have been going to Lurie Children's (CMH) for 15 years. My Mom says the nurses and doctors saved my life many times. I was born very different from most kids, so it was hard for the medical staff to figure things out with my heart, lungs, stomach, ears,eyes, skin and teeth. But they did such a great job I am now a freshman in high school. I still go there many times a year for clinics or when I am really, really sick and everyone always says hi to me. When I walk in the door until when I leave, I don't even know them most of the time, but all the people say they knew me as a baby or young girl.
So I just wanted to say HI to Eric and Kathy, they knew me as I saw them eight years ago at the old hospital. I talked with Eric on the radio and he said I was crushing on him, I sware I wasn't!! LOL
I want to call in now and donate some of my savings.

Thanks for everything, we love you Lurie Children's Hospital.

Christl GomezSaturday, 09/08/2012 12:50pm
My daughter Emma was born in 1998 with a rare disease called Kostmann's Syndrome (Severe Chronic Neutropenia). Basically this meant that her body did not produce its own white blood cells. Emma had to receive daily injections of a drug called Neupogen to stimulate the white blood cell production. Besides multiple ear infections, fevers, skin infections, an abscess that put her in the hospital for 3 weeks, Emma had a pretty normal life. Last October at the age of 13, Emma was diagnosed with MDS - Mylodysplasia Syndrome (formally known as pre-Leukemia). A bone marrow transplant was the only chance for survival. Emma had just started the 8th grade and was looking forward to graduating and going to high school. This diagnosis not only took us by surprise, but it obviously changed our whole perspective. A few days after Christmas 2011, Emma had to have her spleen removed. It was severely enlarged and diseased and we were told if left in, the spleen would interfere with the transplant. Emma was put on the bone marrow transplant list and then we waited. The Be The Match registry scans the entire globe for a match and we were able to fine ONE. It was not a perfect match (7 out of 8 points), but we didn't have any other options. I asked the doctors if we could just wait and let Emma finish out 8th grade and then start the transplant and they strongly advised against it. No one knows how aggressive the MDS was and how soon it would turn into full Leukemia. Emma who also suffers from a severe learning disability was not able to grasp why this was happening to her and why she was not able to go to school. We checked into CMH on February 14, 2012 and started a Chemotherapy regimen for about a week. After that we were moved into isolation. On February 23, 2012 Emma received her bone marrow transplant. She spent the next 9 weeks in isolation suffering all sorts of side effects including Acute Graf Vs. Host disease. Emma had the skin and the gut version of Graf Vs. Host disease. Basically the donor cells were attacking Emma's body. Over the next couple of weeks, Emma's skin turned fire engine red and was extremely sensitive. She looked like a burn victim. We would lather on lotion 4 times a day to keep the skin moist. Emma's skin would eventually peel to reveal a new layer of skin. Regarding the gut, the donor cells attached Emma's intestines and this caused Emma to have to constantly use the bathroom. By April 19, 2012, Emma was stable enough to come home. Emma was sent home with a grocery bag full of anti-rejection, anti-fungal and anti-virus medications. She would go back to the clinic every week for blood work and iv meds. Emma was not allowed to return to school, instead her special ed teacher would come to the house twice a week. All Emma could think about was graduation. A week before graduation, Emma's doctor gave her the thumbs up and said as long as she felt up to it, she could participate. On June 12, 2012 Emma marched across the stage and received her 8th grade diploma. It was a proud moment. By Wednesday June 13, 2012 Emma came to Lurie's for the first time for a checkup. The blood work came back with alarming results for the EBV and she would have to come back for more testing. On Friday June 15, 2012 a CT scan showed enlarged lymph nodes indicative of PTLD (Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder). Emma had one of the lymph nodes removed from her neck to be analyzed and tested further. Emma would undergo a 4 week IV treatment of Retuxin to reduce the lymph nodes. Emma would continue with her weekly clinic visits. On August 6, 2012, Emma was hospitalized once more. Her blood tests revealed a high Eosinophil count, which was later diagnosed as Acute Graf vs. Host disease again. The doctors were extremely concerned because at this stage (6 month post-transplant) a patient would get Chronic Graf vs. Host disease. Emma was given all sorts of IV medications and underwent another Colonoscopy, Endoscopy and Bone Marrow Aspiration. Once Emma was feeling stronger, she got to come home on August 22, 2012. Emma is on a 10 hour IV nutrition daily and still spends most of her day in the bathroom. She is in a lot of stomach pain and refuses to eat. Emma is also very depressed, since this past week she would have started high school and unfortunately is not healthy enough to do so. The doctors say she will miss a minimum of 2 months. Emma has been so brave & courageous throughout this entire process. As her mother I get my strength from her. Recently however I feel like part of the spark in her has diminished as if she is giving up. During our last hospital stay, at one point Emma said to me "mom, maybe it's time for me to go up there". OMG! All I could say was "no, Emma....you are going to get through this and you are going to get better". Then Emma said "I love my life!" Emma has not eaten in weeks and only takes a few sips of water with her meds each day. The doctors said not to worry because her gut needs to heal. I would have loved to come down to Lurie's to join you guys this weekend, but Emma is too tired and weak. Tomorrow we will be back at Lurie's to start our first session of a 5-day outpatient Chemotherapy regimen. I have been listening to all of the amazing stories. I want to thank 101.9FM and all of its sponsors for all of their hard work and donations. You are making such a difference on the lives of families with sick children. I am hopeful that Emma will pull through this and be able to live a long life. Life is good, don't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy what each moment has to give. God Bless!

DanaSaturday, 09/08/2012 11:32am
I have donated in the past after hearing the stories on the radiothon, both happy and sad. Well this year it has more meaning. I am now a mom to a wonderful 8 month old boy Benny. Yesterday while driving to pick him up from daycare, Eric was talking about all the things we take for granted, how the parents at Lurie Children's would like nothing more than to have that normalcy in their day. Then the story of Benny played, a little boy who lost a battle to brain stem cancer. I couldn't stop crying. That story really hit home. So my husband and I donated in honor of that little boy Benny and our little boy Benny, in hopes that he never has to go through anything like that. But it is great knowing that there is a place like Lurie Children's so close to home.

Mom of ThreeSaturday, 09/08/2012 10:49am
Every year I listen and every year I thank God for the health of my three babies. Every year I donate and pray that their health continues and that the children, doctors, nurses and parents at Lurie Children's are blessed and healed.

Keith ClancySaturday, 09/08/2012 09:16am
Good morning all, what a crazy morning it has been around here. One girl freaking out that she is going to be late for Cheerleading and "Dad" isn't doing her hair right. Zach and Bri getting ready for their football games hectic hectic. BUT in the mist of all of this the computer and every radio is blaring with the radiothon everytime they think they hear brendyns name they yell "QUIET" I think their talking about Brendyn. We did our donation this morning or I should say Miss Kaitlyn did our donation. She is so stinking cute. So as we are getting ready to leave could you PLEASE share Brendyn's story for them.

Julie and David CutterSaturday, 09/08/2012 08:07am
We are so sorry to miss it this year, but we are out of town. Just made a donation in Noah's memory. Best of luck.

SusanSaturday, 09/08/2012 07:41am
My grandson was born at Lurie Childrens with a spinal birth defect. Childrens is an amazing place, the people are all so compassionate from the front desk up to all the physicians. Couldn't ask for a more caring environment. My grandson is doing well thanks to everyone there and all that they do for all the kids. I have made a donation already but want to know how to participate as a volunteer in next years radiothon. I want to be able to pay back in a small but important way.
sam556@comcast.net

Micki KleinFriday, 09/07/2012 11:41pm
Spend many weeks the previous Children's Memorial with my daughter Mariah Jean. Who at the age of 2 was diagnosed with a very aggressive brain tumor called Diffuse Insintric Pontine Glioma. She battled for 16 mos and passed away August 31st 2008 at the age of 4. Mariah was treated by Dr. Stewart Goldman and really the only doctor who could get a smirk out of my child. She was a strong little girl to endure the life she was given and I admire all she went through. She loved to color and craft...she would share her crayons with the kids in the waiting room. I miss my little girl so very very much. Please call in and make that donation...the kids need it! Can't wait to see the new hospital! our non profit organization Riah's Rainbow donates crayons and crafts to this new hospital in honor of Mariah monthly...

shelleyFriday, 09/07/2012 11:20pm
Eric & Kathy thank you for every thing your doing.

Jennifer RobertsFriday, 09/07/2012 11:09pm
The stories have so touched me. My daughter was born premature at 26 weeks and without the help of the nurses and doctors cared she received she would likely not have survived. Today she is a thriving healthy 13 year old. I also have a niece born with severe heart defect, and also have a friend who's nephew has a rare brain cancer. This touches my heart and life in so many ways. I am honored to donate what little I can. God Bless all of you. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

KMFriday, 09/07/2012 09:19pm
Thank you for what you are doing! This year I was compelled to donate after years of listening to the heartbreaking stories until the tears would well up and I'd have to turn the station. This year the amazing doctors and nurses of Lurie Children's touched our lives as my nephew was brought in at only two months old. While I am in complete awe at the strength of parents just like my sister and brother in law and these poor little children who are fighting for their lives. I am truly amazed by all of the wonderful doctors and nurses who devote so much of their time to taking such wonderful care of these families. We are just so grateful for all they do.

Tina DiMaggioFriday, 09/07/2012 08:37pm
My now 4 year old son had 2 brain tumor resection surgeries at CMH, one at 11 mo. old & 1 at 18 mo. old. They were benign tumors and he had a full recovery and has had no neurological issues of any type, our lil miracle! A special thank you to all of JoJo Dimaggio's nurses in 3 West and to the best doctor we could ask for, Dr. Robin Bowman!! We love you and the entire Brain Tumor team!! Miss you all.

PeggyFriday, 09/07/2012 07:11pm
Our 3 year old son was born with HIrschsprung's disease ( a bowel disorder) diagnosed several days after his birth. As you can imagine as a parent it is devestating to hear that something is wrong with your child. I am forever grateful to Dr. Anthony Chin and his team for always working so hard to help heal our son. They are compassionate, not only to our son but to us as well. Our son has had a lot of hospital stays. A lot of ups and downs and we are so fortunate and blessed to have a place like Lurie Children's Hospital to turn to for excellent care. I can't imagine our life without it. And Aiden is such a blessing in our lives. How could we not donate to such a wonderful place that works so hard to save lives of children and comfort their parents at the same time. We are blessed, blessed, blessed!

AaronFriday, 09/07/2012 06:03pm
We love your charity. It is the only one my wife and I will never miss. As the father of three, I pray I would never use your facilities.
Last year my wife and I were expecting our third child. Things went very bad back in January. Our daughter was born at 24.5 weeks and weighed 13.6 ounces. Were give very grim news that her chances for survival are not good. Frantically I called Children's Memorial, and they immediately got me in contact with the NICU. As busy as Neonatologists are they talked with me extensively and it was decided that since we live in Naperville and our little one was at Edward's it might make more sense to keep her there unless problems arise.
After 156 days in the NICU, multiple intubations and a few surgeries she came home in July and is doing great. This year your radiothon touches a little closer to home. Although we did not end up at Children's Memorial, I know how important and special the hospital is. Erik keeps mentioning that most of us are going to have our normal weekend of football games and lounging around. You typically take that sort of thing for granted until your child ends up in the NICU for 5 months fighting for their life. Thank you for all that you do! I have attached a you tube link of my daughters story. I hope it can help inspire others that these doctors do amazing things. They are angels and are truly all the heroes. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5exrvzzm5AI

Genevieve FuhrmanFriday, 09/07/2012 05:32pm
I owe more than I can possibly give to Children's Memorial Hospital and the doctors that gave my sister and gave me the chace to have the 5 nieces and nephews I had. When my sister was 2 years old my mom new something not right, you could basically see through her skin because she was so translucent and did not have the strength like most 2 year olds have. My mom tooko her to several doctors who told her she was crazy Andy nothing was wrong. She did not take no for an answer at ended up at Children's where she found out all the arteries and veins were on one side of her and the one half of her heart was doing all the work. In 1983 and at the age of 3 she had open heart surgery at Chidrens with a great chance she would never wake up. She is now 30 years old, played sports her whole life and has 3 beautiful children!!! On top of that my sister in law was having problems getting pregnant and many doctors told her it would never would. The doctors at Children's were able to make that never into a YES and I was blessed with twin niece and nephew 4 years ago. I owe my life to Children's for giving me not only a big sister I looked up to my whole life but 5 blessings of my nieces and nephews I don't know what I would do without!! Without Children's none of these people would exist in my life. I only wish I could do more for a place that has helped so many people. Thank you Children's <3!

JennFriday, 09/07/2012 05:23pm
Every year I listen to Eric & Kathy’s Radiothon for about 2 minutes and every year I turn it off after about 2 minutes because I could not take the heartbreaking stories. This year I turned on the Radiothon at 7am to listen to every second and soak up every story during the 36 hours. Why the change? Our 5 month old son, JD, spent his first 3.5 months of life in the NICU at Children’s/Lurie’s. We are so blessed to have our son home with us even on the beginning of this very long road. But today was not about JD today turned out to be about one of our little buddies in the NICU Little J.

As I mentioned, I turned on the radio at 7am. At 7:43am Little J’s mom texted me to let us know Little J had earned his angel wings early this morning. I crumbed onto the floor. I wanted to be back in our shared room in the NICU holding our babies and chatting with the nurses. I wanted to hug her and give her my heart to borrow because I know hers is currently broken. I knew I would listen today and find the perfect time to donate. Instead, of my original donation I doubled it and made it in honor of Little J. Our son has a long road full of challenges and Lurie’s will be right there with us the whole way. As I snuggle with my son today I think of Little J and his family and this is for them!

Below is the blog for our family.

Our Blog

Alice StrandFriday, 09/07/2012 03:57pm
Children's Memorial Hospital has been extremely instrumental in my family's life. My sister had gone into see her pediatrician for a standard physical prior to her entering 5th grade. When her standard test results had come back he ketones were sky high and the doctor told my mom to immediately go to Children's and have her admitted. She was diagnosed with type 1 juvenile diabetes. I remember getting that phone call from my mom that evening and dropping my phone when I heard. I immediately rushed to Children's to join my family. When I arrived, I was so impressed to see my baby sister in great spirits and absolutely enjoying the staff there. She was inpatient for about a week to stabilize and the staff and doctors were amazing to our family the whole time. She continued outpatient treatment and fups every 3 months with the endocrinology department at Children's. The time an patience that the staff has showed our family has been incredible. Now...my sister is two weeks from graduating college with her Bachelor's degree and I couldn't be more proud. She is a thriving adult managing her lifelong illness like a pro. Unfortunately, she cannot treat at Childrens anymore but has found a great doctor at Northwestern to continue on this battle as an adult with new challenges. Diabetes is not a brain tumor, and it is not leukemia or a neuroblastoma, but it is a lifelong disease that my baby sister has to constantly thrive with. Thinking about all the daily injections and pokes breaks my heart for her but I know that she is strong and healthy due to the constant dilligience and caring of her Children's Memorial staff. Again, they were instrumental in her becoming the amazing adult that she has become. Every year I listen to the radiothon and remember that first week of uncertainty that my sister and my family went thru and am so grateful to Children's for treating my sister and my family like she was the only patient at that hospital. I will never forget.

Keith ClancyFriday, 09/07/2012 02:51pm
Hey guys just wanted to jump in and say THANK YOU for all you are doing once again this year. I was just driving home from Walmart and listend about the little 4 year old boy that his mother felt his heart stop at 3:35pm. That story INSTANTLY took me back 9 years when Brendyn's heart stopped as I held him in my arms. As I have said in the past years there is not a day that goes by that I don't think of Brendyn. As my now 12 year old Brian said the other day coming home from football "Dad doesn't that smell right now remind you of Brendyn"? I told him yes it did (it smelled like a doctors office) but I was floored or amazed that a 12 year old child can remember "smells" that remind him of his little brother that he lost when he was 3. Kaitlyn now 8 asks more and more about Brendyn and if she looks like him, and Zachary now 13 tries to be the tough guy but I swear that boy has his little brothers heart of gold. Zachary plays center for OYTF and is a complete power house. He told his grandpa yesterday he doesn't give his all on the line because he's afraid he will hurt someone. My point being Zach always always always puts everyone before himself just like his baby brother. Brendyn did not leave us until he knew Zach and Brian were going to be ok and physically see that there are many great people that surround us daily. Zachary asks questions but more of the technical parts of why Brendyn's heart failed and I respond with complete honesty to him. We have had our fair share of tragedy in our lives but we pick up push forward and live life to its fullest. I promised I wouldn't share this but oooppps I'm going to. When our house burned down last year and the boys were on their hands and knees looking for anything of Brendyn's, Zachary had found a letter from Dr Barbara Deil that she had mailed us after Brendyn passed away. I came into Zachs room the other night and he was reading that letter with his eyes all teared up. He said Dad "I'd give everything I have just to see Brendyn on the football field one time, just one time Dad I would love to yell out his name or hear the announcer say "playing for your Oswego Blue is number whatever Brendyn Clancy". Zach said "dad the radiothon is this weekend and were playing Saturday alls I am going to say is I'm going to imagine Brendyn being right next to me when I snap that ball and he's who I'm blocking for so this win is for you little bro". What do you say to that? I will end with this losing a child has been the hardest most horrific thing I have ever been through. I am no longer a fireman/Paramedic because it just began to hurt to much seeing the things some of the kids go through. I may not be able to take the pain away that my kids are feeling but I can say that I am very proud that they do think of him and that they think of others first as there brother showed them. So thanks again for all you are doing for such a wonderful hospital.

GraceFriday, 09/07/2012 02:38pm
it is so touching to listen to all these stories. i could imagine the pain and the suffering that these people, our neighbors, go through.

John SheehanFriday, 09/07/2012 02:35pm
I was once a patient here when I was a young boy... I'm now 39 and I'm glad to see the hospital is still going because 2 months ago my 3 month old nephew needed surgery to remove excess bone from his skull due to the way he was laying in the womb... The doctors and nurses are all top notch people

RobFriday, 09/07/2012 02:14pm
Thank you Eric and Kathy for what you're doing for the CMN Hospital in Chicago. I work with Dance Marathon at Loras College in Dubuque, IA and we work with the University of Iowa Children's Hospital. It's great to hear local celebrities are supporting such a great cause. Again, thank you for helping all of the Miracle families in the Chicago area. God bless. And remember who it's for, it For The Kids!

JimFriday, 09/07/2012 12:13pm
Children's helped us years ago. Great place. Congratulations on beautiful new new digs.

Christine accetturaFriday, 09/07/2012 10:59am
When i was younger i went to childrens memorial, & twenty somthing years later i took my oldest child and my youngest child there. What a wonderfull place this hospital truly is they treat you like family my infant was in there because he couldent hold food down or breath right i sat there for hours watching him as i got hungry and tired i knew i couldent go home well one of the nurses brought me towels and a washrag and said we'll watch him go grab something to eat and shower you deserve it i was shocked!! Also in the morning you can use thier laptops which i thought was a great idea to keep in touch with my family via facebook and what not, this hospital isnt just a hospital its a home where not only the kids can feel safe and welcome and comfortable but also the family and this i say a huge thank you for so many years & many more to come godbless xoxoxo thak you for everything to the dr's, nurses,medical asst,watchers, they are trully angels!!! From the accettura/acosta family.

Kris MedranoFriday, 09/07/2012 10:29am
Every morning I listen to Eric and Kathy as they make my day, making me laugh. This morning listening to the show of course brought me to tears. Every year I listen to the stories about these brave children, and I have never donated. After listening to Donna's story this morning, I pulled over and became a hero for $20 a month, I wish I could do more. I lost my brother, Dave, to melanoma of the liver, although he was not a young child at the time (it was 2 weeks after his 30th birthday) it has forever changed our lives. He left behind 3 beautiful healthy children. Everytime I see those children I thank god for their health and the way they remind me of him. My parents have never been the same. We take the time to always say I love you!! Never take any day for granted!! You defiantly thank god for the normal! I am passing the word along with anyone that will listen. Thank you for all you do!!

Janet E. Brookfield, ILFriday, 09/07/2012 10:11am
I donated last year and this year and i am so grateful for a healthy child but even more than you are do this for every child to have a chance.


Stacey HemphillFriday, 09/07/2012 09:59am
I thank god for the great people at Children's everyday. My son Gavin was born in Indiana and we later found out that he has Cerebral Palsy. The doctor's in IN did not have a positive outlook on my son's progression as he got older. We did not want to accept that, so we started visiting Children's. We first saw a neurologist, Dr. Larsen. She got us in the BEST physical therapists that day, Elizabeth O'Riodian and Mary Weck! We now see Occupational Therapist Lee Ryan, Orthotic Surgeon Dr. Sisson, Orthotics Brigid ?, and Allergist Dr. Pongracic. It takes us an hour and a half each way, but we wouldn't choose anything but Children's. Gavin grows stronger everyday because of these fantastic people that we consider our family. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Stefanie Dziedzic Friday, 09/07/2012 09:44am
Thank you for the work you do to support children and families in chicago

Stefanie Dziedzic Friday, 09/07/2012 09:42am
Listening to Jacks transplant story. Wow! How moving. As a donation specialist who works with donor families who give the gift of life so kids like Jack have a miracle I see both sides of the bittersweet equation. I am so glad Jack got his liver and is living a happy healthy life. Please remember, and honor all the kids and families at hospitals across Chicagoland who right now are facing a loss, a death, but who are able to think of others in their darkest pain, and who donate.

Tonya BFriday, 09/07/2012 09:33am
I have listened to the radiothon for years & it has always been so inspiring. At the age of six my daughter was diagnosed with Type 1 (juvenile) diabetes which at the time was devastating, but by the time we left the hospital 3 days later I realized just how lucky we are. Our daughter gets to live a "normal" childhood, do everything a kid gets to do, & she does not have to live her life in a hospital. My heart truely goes out to all of these families.

Michele LambertiFriday, 09/07/2012 09:06am
Hi Eric and Kathy,

I listen to your radiothon every year and I am brought to tears every time. This year has special meaning for me. My daughter was in an accident this past summer and sustained a concussion and basilar skull fracture. She was in the hospital for 2 days. In those 2 days all I could think about was how lucky she was that she was going to be ok and was going to be able to go home. My thoughts and prayers were with those families that have children in the hospital long term or have children that may never go home. We are so lucky to have such a great facility in our great city. I am so appreciative that I have 2 healthy girls and I appreciate the "normal" every day. Thank you for all your work each year for this wonderful hospital. God bless you...

GinaFriday, 09/07/2012 09:04am
Our son Matthew spent three weeks at children's memorial and was diagnosed with a rare immune disorder. We were patients of the old hospital and now we come to Lurie every there weeks for his IV treatments at the Infusion Center. The nurses and doctors treat us like family and make our time spent there as comfortable as possible. We are forever grateful for his care!!

Terri KingFriday, 09/07/2012 08:35am

I tune in every single year..
and this morning as I was driving to the train at 6 am, as ALWAYS ..
I hear Gus's story and begin to choke back tears.. Like so many families in Chicago, Children's has played a role in my life, and I will always continue to tune in, donate, and shed tears..WITH A GRATEFUL HEART FOR THE WORK THAT CHILDREN'S DOES AND THE AWESOME DEDICATION THAT ERIC AND KATHY DEMONSTRATE IN THIS CHICAGO TRADITION!! YOU ROCK GANG! HUGS AND KISSES!!

AdinaFriday, 09/07/2012 07:55am
I am now 38yrs old, however when I was 10 months old I had been taken to the old Children't Memorial Hospital for a face burn. I have had several surgies as a child there. I can remember all the Nures and Doctors who took care of me. I hear they are still as wonderful as they were then.

HankyFriday, 09/07/2012 07:35am
Hey Eric and Kathy!! I've been spreading the word about your Radiothon to my Facebook friends here in Northern California! I'd like to thank you guys from the bottom of my heart for doing this every year for all of God's little angels at Laurie Children's. The Donna story almost moved me, as almost every story aired. I know that every day, Jesus is watching over not only Donna, but all of us and maybe someday, we'll meet up in heaven. Take care and may God bless all of you, this day, and always.

KimThursday, 09/06/2012 08:07pm
My 3 month old son had open heart surgery the first week the new hospital was opened. We felt as if we were family there and the most important patients there. We can't thank the doctors, nurses and staff enough for the amazing surgery and hospitality they gave to us. Our son is now 6 months old and gaining weight like he should be. He is now going to be able to lead a very healthy and happy life thanks to them!


Add Comment
May21
 Thunderstorm
   79.0°/26.1°
TrafficRadarForecast



  I-94/I-294 TRI-STATE TOLLWAY NORTHBOUND
Jam Factor 5 - Incidents 0 ()
I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway NORTHBOUND from I-94 Bishop Ford Frwy/Kingery Exwy to I-294 Tri-State Tollway
  I-90/I-94 DAN RYAN EXWY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 4 - Incidents 2 (Moderate)
I-90/I-94 Dan Ryan Exwy OUTBOUND from I-90 Chicago Skyway to I-57/Bishop Ford Frwy
  I-90/I-94 KENNEDY EXPRESS LANES INBOUND
Jam Factor 4 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90/I-94 Kennedy Express Lanes Inbound from I-94 Edens Exwy to Ohio St/Ontario St Feeder
  I-80/I-94 KINGERY EXWY WESTBOUND
Jam Factor 4 - Incidents 0 ()
I-80/I-94 Kingery Exwy WESTBOUND from Illinois State Line to I-294 Tri-State Tollway/I-94 Bishop Ford Frwy/IL-394
  I-80/I-94 KINGERY EXWY EASTBOUND
Jam Factor 4 - Incidents 0 ()
I-80/I-94 Kingery Exwy EASTBOUND from I-294 Tri-State Tollway/I-94 Bishop Ford Frwy/IL-394 to Illinois State Line
  I-80 WESTBOUND
Jam Factor 4 - Incidents 0 ()
I-80 WESTBOUND from I-294 Tri-State Tollway (#155) to US-45 La Grange Rd (#145)
  I-90/I-94 DAN RYAN EXWY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 3 - Incidents 3 (Moderate)
I-90/I-94 Dan Ryan Exwy OUTBOUND from I-290 Eisenhower Exwy to I-57/Bishop Ford Frwy
  I-94 BISHOP FORD FRWY INBOUND
Jam Factor 3 - Incidents 1 (Severe)
I-94 Bishop Ford Frwy INBOUND from I-80/I-294/IL-394 Kingery Exwy/Tri-State Tollway to I-57/Dan Ryan Exwy
  I-94 EDENS EXWY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 3 - Incidents 0 ()
I-94 Edens Exwy OUTBOUND from I-94 Edens Exwy to I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway
  I-90 JANE ADDAMS TOLLWAY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 3 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90 Jane Addams Tollway OUTBOUND from Boone/Mchenry County Line to I-39 (NP)
  I-90 JANE ADDAMS TOLLWAY INBOUND
Jam Factor 3 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90 Jane Addams Tollway INBOUND from I-39 (NP) to Boone/Mchenry County Line
  I-80/I-94 BORMAN EXWY WESTBOUND
Jam Factor 3 - Incidents 0 ()
I-80/I-94 Borman Exwy WESTBOUND from I-65 (#12) to Illinois State Line
  I-80/I-94 BORMAN EXWY EASTBOUND
Jam Factor 3 - Incidents 0 ()
I-80/I-94 Borman Exwy EASTBOUND from Illinois State Line to I-65 (#12)
  I-80 EASTBOUND
Jam Factor 3 - Incidents 0 ()
I-80 EASTBOUND from US-45 La Grange Rd (#145) to I-294 Tri-State Tollway (#155)
  I-90/I-94 DAN RYAN EXWY INBOUND
Jam Factor 2 - Incidents 3 (Moderate)
I-90/I-94 Dan Ryan Exwy INBOUND from I-57/Bishop Ford Frwy to I-290 Eisenhower Exwy
  I-94 INBOUND
Jam Factor 2 - Incidents 2 (Severe)
I-94 INBOUND from I-94 Bishop Ford Frwy/Kingery Exwy to I-290 Eisenhower Exwy
  I-90/I-94 DAN RYAN EXWY INBOUND
Jam Factor 2 - Incidents 2 (Moderate)
I-90/I-94 Dan Ryan Exwy INBOUND from I-57/Bishop Ford Frwy to I-90 Chicago Skyway
  I-94 BISHOP FORD FRWY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 2 - Incidents 1 (Severe)
I-94 Bishop Ford Frwy OUTBOUND from I-57/Dan Ryan Exwy to I-80/I-294/IL-394 Kingery Exwy/Tri-State Tollway
  I-190 O'HARE ACCESS EXWY INBOUND
Jam Factor 2 - Incidents 1 (Moderate)
I-190 O'Hare Access Exwy INBOUND from O'Hare Airport to I-90 Kennedy Exwy
  I-94 EDENS EXWY INBOUND
Jam Factor 2 - Incidents 0 ()
I-94 Edens Exwy INBOUND from IL-58/Dempster St (#37) to I-90 Kennedy Exwy
  I-90 JANE ADDAMS TOLLWAY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 2 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90 Jane Addams Tollway OUTBOUND from IL-31 to Mchenry/Boone County Line
  I-90 JANE ADDAMS TOLLWAY INBOUND
Jam Factor 2 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90 Jane Addams Tollway INBOUND from Mchenry/Boone County Line to IL-31
  I-94/I-294 TRI-STATE TOLLWAY NORTHBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 2 (Severe)
I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway NORTHBOUND from I-94 Bishop Ford Frwy/Kingery Exwy to Wisconsin State Line
  I-94/I-294 TRI-STATE TOLLWAY NORTHBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 2 (Severe)
I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway NORTHBOUND from I-55 Stevenson Exwy to I-90 Jane Addams Tollway
  I-57 NORTHBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 2 (Moderate)
I-57 NORTHBOUND from Kankakee/Will County Line to I-94 Bishop Ford Frwy
  I-57 NORTHBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 2 (Moderate)
I-57 NORTHBOUND from I-80 Moline Exwy (#345) to I-94 Bishop Ford Frwy
  I-94/I-294 TRI-STATE TOLLWAY NORTHBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 1 (Severe)
I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway NORTHBOUND from I-80 to I-55 Stevenson Exwy
  I-90/I-94 DAN RYAN EXWY INBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 1 (Severe)
I-90/I-94 Dan Ryan Exwy INBOUND from I-55 Stevenson Exwy to I-290 Eisenhower Exwy
  I-94/I-294 TRI-STATE TOLLWAY SOUTHBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 1 (Moderate)
I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway SOUTHBOUND from Wisconsin State Line to I-94 Bishop Ford Frwy/Kingery Exwy
  I-94/I-294 TRI-STATE TOLLWAY SOUTHBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 1 (Moderate)
I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway SOUTHBOUND from I-55 Stevenson Exwy to I-80
  I-94 OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 1 (Moderate)
I-94 Outbound from I-290 Eisenhower Exwy to I-94 Bishop Ford Frwy/Kingery Exwy
  I-94/I-294 TRI-STATE TOLLWAY SOUTHBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway SOUTHBOUND from IL-60/Townline Rd to Lake-Cook Rd
  I-94/I-294 TRI-STATE TOLLWAY SOUTHBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway SOUTHBOUND from I-90 Jane Addams Tollway to I-55 Stevenson Exwy
  I-94 EDENS EXWY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-94 Edens Exwy OUTBOUND from IL-58/Dempster St (#37) to I-94 Edens Exwy
  I-94 EDENS EXWY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-94 Edens Exwy OUTBOUND from I-90 Kennedy Exwy to IL-58/Dempster St (#37)
  I-94 EDENS EXWY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-94 Edens Exwy OUTBOUND from I-90 Kennedy Exwy to I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway
  I-94 EDENS EXWY INBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-94 Edens Exwy INBOUND from I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway to I-90 Kennedy Exwy
  I-94 EDENS EXWY INBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-94 Edens Exwy INBOUND from I-94 Edens Exwy to IL-58/Dempster St (#37)
  I-94 EDENS EXWY EASTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-94 Edens Exwy EASTBOUND from I-94/I-294 Tri-State Tollway to I-94 Edens Exwy
  I-90/I-94 DAN RYAN EXWY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90/I-94 Dan Ryan Exwy OUTBOUND from Local/Express Split-Merge (North) to Local/Express Split-Merge (South)
  I-90/I-94 DAN RYAN EXWY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90/I-94 Dan Ryan Exwy OUTBOUND from I-290 Eisenhower Exwy to I-55 Stevenson Exwy
  I-90/I-94 DAN RYAN EXWY INBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90/I-94 Dan Ryan Exwy INBOUND from Local/Express Split-Merge (South) to Local/Express Split-Merge (North)
  I-90 JANE ADDAMS TOLLWAY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90 Jane Addams Tollway OUTBOUND from I-294 Tri-State Tollway to Mchenry/Boone County Line
  I-90 JANE ADDAMS TOLLWAY INBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90 Jane Addams Tollway INBOUND from Mchenry/Boone County Line to I-294 Tri-State Tollway
  I-90 INDIANA TOLL RD EASTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90 Indiana Toll Rd EASTBOUND from State Line Toll Plaza to I-65/US-12/US-20 (#17)
  I-90 CHICAGO SKYWAY OUTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90 Chicago Skyway OUTBOUND from I-94 Dan Ryan Exwy to Illinois State Line
  I-90 CHICAGO SKYWAY INBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-90 Chicago Skyway INBOUND from Illinois State Line to I-94 Dan Ryan Exwy
  I-88 REAGAN TOLLWY EASTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-88 Reagan Tollwy EASTBOUND from Aurora Toll Plaza to I-355 North-South Tollway
  I-88 REAGAN TOLLWY EASTBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-88 Reagan Tollwy EASTBOUND from Aurora Toll Plaza to I-290 Eisenhower Exwy
  I-55 STEVENSON EXWY INBOUND
Jam Factor 1 - Incidents 0 ()
I-55 Stevenson Exwy INBOUND from I-355 North-South Tollway to I-294 Tri-State Tollway


TodayHi: 79
Lo: 71		Severe Thunderstorms
WednesdayHi: 71
Lo: 63		Thunderstorms Likely
ThursdayHi: 59
Lo: 55		Thunderstorms Likely
FridayHi: 59
Lo: 47		Thunderstorms Likely
SaturdayHi: 62
Lo: 47		Showers Likely
Mix Tune Genie