CMN to Stage Annual Telethon Broadcast on June 7

SPRINGFIELD — Now in its third decade of fundraising to benefit young patients and their families throughout Western Mass., the 22nd edition of the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon at Baystate Children’s Hospital will be broadcast locally over WWLP-TV22 on Saturday, June 7, from 7-11 p.m. at Baystate’s Chestnut Conference Center.

The annual fundraiser benefits children’s health care programs and services with all of the money raised locally going to Baystate Children’s Hospital, Baystate Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield, Baystate Mary Lane Hospital in Ware, as well as the Baystate Visiting Nurse Association and Hospice.

Last year’s Children’s Miracle Network telethon raised $728,000, the largest in its history. It was the 12th consecutive year the event raised more than $500,000.

“Over the years Western New England residents and corporations have responded generously to our heartwarming stories about the many miracle youngsters treated at Baystate Children’s Hospital and have helped us to raise $11.5 million,” said Ely Dunn, manager, Children’s Miracle Network.

“We look forward to their continued generosity again this year in support of children’s health,” she added.

This year’s telethon co-chairs are Richard and Amy Wiatrowski of Longmeadow, whose son Adam was born three month prior to his due date and spent the first 11 weeks of his life in the Davis Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Baystate Children’s Hospital.

Devoted parents to Adam and his brother Lucas, the Wiatrowskis have been telling their story on the Telethon since Adam’s birth had have supported both the telethon and 94.7 WMAS Children’s Miracle Network radiothon over the years.

“The many heartwarming stories and interviews that focus on the children and families who have been served by Baystate Children’s Hospital, and that have been so popular over the years with viewers, continue to be the heart and soul of our Telethon,” Dunn said.

Among the several vignettes to be aired during the broadcast will be a touching story about Noelle Picard, an 11-year-old from Ludlow who learned last year she had diabetes after being stricken on the soccer field. She spent several days in Baystate Children’s Hospital undergoing intensive training and education along with her parents in dealing with and treating her diabetes at home.

Making a return appearance in the CMN spotlight this year will be 21-year-old Meghan Costello from Agawam, who once represented Massachusetts as a “Children’s Miracle Network Champion,” as well as 21-year-old Cory Garwacki, who has been a part of the Children’s Miracle Network since the age of one after being born with short gut syndrome. Both former patients at Baystate Children’s Hospital, they will appear throughout the broadcast and are also the subject of vignettes on their journey to health and participation throughout the years in CMN.

Viewers will have an opportunity during the telethon to join the special “Miracle Maker Club” for a pledge of $20 a month. And when callers become a member of the club, a soft and cuddly plush dog puppet will be delivered compliments of CMN to a young patient in Baystate Children’s Hospital honoring their pledge.

An above-ground swimming pool, valued at $5,000 and donated by Teddy Bear Pools and Spas, will also be auctioned during the broadcast.

Since its first broadcast in 1987, the Children’s Miracle Network has raised over $11.5 million, which has been used to fund nearly 790 projects.