by WRAL-FM MIX Morning’s Sarah King
It’s that time of year again!
We are gearing up here at MIX 101.5 for our 28th annual MIX 101.5 Radiothon for Duke Children’s.
I can not believe that this will be my 7th Radiothon!
I am not going to lie; this event is so tough. Every year we head into the Radiothon knowing that we will be diving deeply into conversations with families who have or are living every parent’s worst nightmare. What surprises me each year we wrap up the event is how inspired and how hopeful I feel. While these families do talk about the heartache and sadness that comes with having a profoundly sick child, they also exhibit such strength, clarity and love.
Love is one of those words we hear all the time. We get desensitized to it. I can tell you the love these families have for their children and for those who have stepped up to help their children is tangibly powerful. It’s the kind of love that strips away all of life’s worries. A love that makes you totally selfless. It’s a feeling you can feel with your whole body.
That is why we show up every year. Why we ask our listeners to lean into the stories of hope, fear and triumph. Duke Children’s, though it’s associated with the Duke name, is entirely donation funded. Duke Children’s is the top ranked hospital in North Carolina and is among the top ranked in the country for pediatric cardiology. Their team has provided lifesaving innovations that have saved thousands of lives. And all of that comes from donations.
As a parent, when I hear the stories from the families of Duke Children’s I consider myself so lucky. Do I feel guilty that my child is healthy and thriving? Yes, of course I do. By donating to Duke Children’s I take solace knowing that families who are in the trenches of illness will be able to have the best care possible. I also donate because I can sleep easier knowing that if the unthinkable happens Duke Children’s is fully equipped and ready if we ever need them.
The 28th Annual MIX 101.5 Radiothon for Duke Children’s is Dec. 12 and 13. You can donate online at WRALFM.com or by texting “DUKEKIDS” to 51555.
If you can donate, I really hope you will. And if you can’t this year, tell your friends on social media. The more the merrier!
Let’s live in the feeling of hope and love this holiday. Give to Duke Children’s. It’s a donation that will warm so many hearts, including your own.
Thanks to WRAL.com and WRAL-FM’s Sarah King for this Capcom story.
