Radiothon raises $300,000 for Studer Family Children’s Hospital

Generosity

The 8th annual Cat Country Cares for Kids Radiothon, presented by Hanto & Clarke General Contractors, raised $300,000 to create a dedicated Pediatric Sedation Suite at Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart.

Why this matters: The suite, a first for Northwest Florida, will benefit more than 1,000 children each year, creating a space designed to make procedures safer, less frightening, and more comfortable while keeping families close to home.

• It will support advanced imaging, lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies, and other procedures requiring pediatric sedation in an environment created specifically for children and their families. For children with chronic or complex illnesses, including cancer, the Pediatric Sedation Suite will create a more consistent and reassuring experience across multiple visits throughout treatment.

Details

• The one-day broadcast was hosted by Cat Country 98.7 personalities Brent Lane, Jordan Glass and Chris Clare, along with WEAR-TV’s Sue Straughn. The broadcast featured heartfelt stories from patient families and highlighted the critical role Studer Family Children’s Hospital plays in providing advanced, compassionate pediatric care close to home.“It means so much to see our community come together to help make a difference for children and families,” said WEAR host Sue Straughn. “The generosity of local viewers and businesses continues to amaze me. Knowing these gifts will help create a space where children can receive care in a more comfortable and reassuring environment is incredibly meaningful.”

 “I’m especially grateful to the families who open their hearts and share their experiences, helping others understand the difference compassionate, specialized care can make,” said Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation president Adrienne Maygarden. “Their stories, along with the generosity of our donors, are strengthening care for children across Northwest Florida.”

Gulf Winds Credit Union supported the effort by matching Radiothon gifts dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000, providing an additional incentive for donors to support the campaign.

“As a dad, I understand how important it is that every child has access to healthcare,” said Gulf Winds Credit Union President/CEO Daniel Souers.. “The Cat Country Cares for Kids Radiothon is a meaningful way to support local families when they need it most. This is the kind of impact that makes our community stronger.”