The 16th annual Hasbro Children’s Hospital Radiothon was held on Thursday, Sept. 17, and despite changes and being reconfigured on account of COVID-19, the event was a success, raising $422,321 for the area’s only pediatric hospital. The funds will support patient care, lifesaving programs, and research efforts.

“In a year like no other, we had a Radiothon like no other,” said Timothy J. Babineau, MD, president and CEO of Lifespan. “No matter the challenges or obstacles brought about by the pandemic, people still came together – from a safe distance, of course – to show their unwavering support for Hasbro Children’s and to make a difference in the lives of the children and families we care for. We could not be more grateful to our community and to our partners for their generosity.”

A partnership between Cumulus Providence radio stations (92 PRO-FM, Lite Rock 105, News Talk 630 & 99.7 WPRO, and Hot 106) and Hasbro Children’s, the Radiothon has traditionally been held in April as one of the hospital’s most important annual fundraisers. But this year, due to the ongoing pandemic, the event was postponed and reimagined. Instead of taking place from the hospital, Radiothon was fully remote while being broadcast simultaneously across Cumulus’ four stations.

For 12-hours – between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. – Hasbro Children’s patients, families, and caregivers took to the airwaves to share their inspiring stories of hope and healing. And as listeners across the Ocean State and nearby Connecticut and Massachusetts were introduced to patients and their journeys with rare and fast-moving cancers, traumatic brain injuries, life-threatening heart conditions and more, a dedicated group of volunteers manned a social-distancing phone bank on the hospital’s campus, answering hundreds of calls to accept donations.

“Our longstanding commitment to and relationship with Hasbro Children’s made it never a question that we’d find a way to maneuver through this year’s technical and logistical challenges – we were determined to make sure Radiothon took place,” said Holly Paras, market manager for Cumulus Providence. “We know our listeners, and the Cumulus team, look forward to hearing these remarkable stories and having a way to support the hospital that makes these miracles happen.”

Proceeds from Radiothon support Hasbro Children’s ability to provide our region’s children and their families the best care possible. Throughout the years, the funds have helped to purchase medical equipment, and support the Healing Arts and Child Life programs. Since its inception, Radiothon has raised more than $8.8 million for Hasbro Children’s Hospital.