SUPPORT OFST. JUDE CHILDREN'S RESEARCH HOSPITAL
CHARLOTTE, NC (September 22, 2009) – The Hispanic community in
Charlotte can support children battling cancer and other deadly
diseases by participating in the second annual Promesa y Esperanza
(Promise and Hope) radiothon to be held October 8 - 9 benefiting St.
Jude Children's Research Hospital®. Hosted by WNOW- Poder 105.3 FM,
the radiothon will encourage listeners to donate to St. Jude in
support of the hospital's mission of finding cures and saving children
by calling 1-800-998-VIDA (8432) from 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM (EST).
Interested volunteers can contact Maria Cardenas al (1-800) 606-2187
for more information.
The goal of this event is to motivate the Hispanic community and to
inform them about St. Jude, which provides medical care to thousands
of sick children regardless of their family's ability to pay. During
the broadcast, listeners will hear emotional stories from Hispanic
patients and families who are battling cancer at St. Jude, including
Valeria Ruiz. A native of Puerto Rico, 3-year-old Valeria is
receiving medical treatment at St. Jude after being diagnosed with
medulloblastoma, a very aggressive brain tumor.
Thanks to St. Jude and donations from monthly donors called Angeles de
Esperanza (Partners in Hope), children like Valeria have the
opportunity to receive cutting-edge medical care. WNOW is one of more
than a dozen Hispanic radio stations around the country participating
in the two-day national radiothon. Last year, WNOW raised more than
$138,500 for St. Jude, one of the world's premier pediatric cancer
research centers.
"We are so grateful to these dedicated Spanish radio stations and
their generous listeners, who have embraced the St. Jude mission of
finding cures and saving children," said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO
of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. "It is
heartwarming to see the Hispanic community rally around our cause
every year, and I know that the funds raised during Promesa y
Esperanza will inspire hope in our precious patients and their
families."
Since opening in 1962, St. Jude has treated children from all 50
states and around the world. From public donations such as the Promesa
y Esperanzaradiothon, St. Jude researchers and doctors are able to
share medical discoveries around the world, including several Latin
American countries, to help increase survival rates for children with
cancer and other catastrophic illnesses.
About St. Jude:
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital is internationally recognized
for its pioneering work in finding cures and saving children with
cancer and other catastrophic diseases. St. Jude is the first and only
pediatric cancer center to be designated as a Comprehensive Cancer
Center by the National Cancer Institute. Founded by late entertainer
Danny Thomas and based in Memphis, Tenn., St. Jude freely shares its
discoveries with scientific and medical communities around the world.
St. Jude is the only pediatric cancer research center where families
never pay for treatment not covered by insurance. No child is ever
denied treatment because of the family's inability to pay. St. Jude is
financially supported by ALSAC, its fundraising organization. For more
information, please visit www.stjude.org.
