KDAT Proudly Presents: Variety’s Two Days Of Compassion Radiothon

Coming up on Tuesday, December 12, and Wednesday, December 13, 104.5 KDAT is proud to take part in the Variety Children's Charity Two Days Of Compassion Radiothon to raise money for The Compassion Fund.

While you may be concerned when you hear the term "radiothon" that we'll stop playing Christmas music and hit you with nothing but sad stories, that's not this kind of radiothon at all. We'll still play Christmas music, Bob & Sheri will be doing their normal show, and our great DJs will still entertain you. We'll just be throwing in some important Variety content, and encouraging you to give.

Donations can be made via phone call at 319-364-6400, or by visiting their official website.

How does the Compassion Fund assist sick children?

In many important ways. First, it allows a parent to stay by the child’s side, at some reasonable level of comfort. It helps the child get to all the important life-saving treatments.

It allows the child a more comfortable, dignified way of getting home from chemotherapy and radiation sessions. It helps relieve some of the guilt sick child starts to feel when they see their loved ones constantly suffering and sacrificing on their behalf. The fund may also be used sometimes to brighten the patient’s day by buying an outside meal or taking them on some fun diversion away from the needles, medicine, and hospital beds. In fact, everything good that comes from the “Compassion Fund” is good for the child’s mental and physical well-being.

When there are siblings of the sick child, there is often the problem of childcare while the mom stays at the hospital. Even if there is a second parent, they often have more than one job in an effort to catch up with the mountain of bills. Sometimes relatives can help and sometimes they cannot.

There is also the issue of these kids being somewhat “abandoned” at what is a very traumatic time for them too. There is almost never money available to give these children quality, professional care at a time that they need it most.

How much impact can the “Compassion Fund” really have?

Hospital social workers were interviewed in four states. A common thread in their response was that even the smallest amount of financial help gives a family an emotional boost that lasts for days or weeks.

Just knowing that total strangers care about their problems gives strength to their determination to find the light at the end of the tunnel. We can help thousands of people see that light, maybe even before the end of the tunnel.

Once the radiothon begins, donations can be made via phone call at 319-364-6400, or by visiting their official website.