NORFOLK – Once again Northeast Nebraska is coming together to help end childhood cancer.
US92 Radio in Norfolk held their 19th annual St. Jude Radiothon Thursday and Friday.
The two-day national event has raised millions of dollars to support the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, and their efforts to help families struggling with childhood cancer.
Floating Director for St. Jude, Graesa Amdahl, says there’s something special about Northeast Nebraska.
“Just to see people calling and renewing and renewing their Partners in Hope that they’ve had for years. Folk walking in ere and wanting to be Partners in Hope. Folks dropping off checks and cash and everyone’s been so kind and you can tell that this is a real community event.” Amdahl says.
According to the St. Jude’s website, more than 80% of U.S. childhood cancer patients now become long-term survivors, thanks in part to the donations, research, and treatments made possible by events like these.
“No family ever receives a bill for treatment, travel, housing while they’re there. All the money that’s raised here and around the country goes directly towards patient care, research and catastrophic childhood diseases.”
The US92 crew weren’t the only ones helping with the radiothon. Members of the Norfolk Fire Department also helped to take the calls.
US92 started Thursday at 6 a.m. and took donations through Friday at 7 p.m. At which point, the team announced how much was raised during the two day event.
The total amount raised was $283,857.28, all of that amount will go to St. Jude to help pay for research and treatments for those staying at the hospital.
“The total is really staggering for especially an area this size.”
But the night was about more than just raising money, it was about giving back and coming together as a community.
