WMAS Radiothon to Benefit Baystate Children’s Hospital to Be Held March 9-10

SPRINGFIELD — Six-month-old Celine Grace Stewart spent the first 11 days of her life inside the Davis Neonatal Infant Care Unit (NICU) at Baystate Children’s Hospital.

Hattie Avigliano also spent the first months of her life in the NICU at Baystate Children’s Hospital, arriving in the world 3½ months early and fighting for her life.

These children and their families will share their miraculous stories of surviving and thriving during the 20th annual 94.7 WMAS Radiothon to benefit Baystate Children’s Hospital.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the event will not be held at the hospital this year, but broadcast live from the WMAS studios for two days on March 9-10 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

WMAS on-air personalities, led by the Kellogg Krew of Chris, Dina, and Lopez, will fill both days with encouraging stories, and listeners will get to know the professional team from Baystate Children’s Hospital who care for their kids, their grandkids, and their neighbors’ kids.

To donate, the public can call the Lia Auto Group Phone Bank at (413) 794-1111, visit wmaskids.com, or text WMASKIDS to 51555.

“Whether in person, over the phone, or by text, your generous pledges support the true heroes of the only comprehensive, accredited children’s hospital in Western Massachusetts,” said Scott Berg, vice president of Philanthropy at Baystate Health and executive director of the Baystate Health Foundation. “Uplifting and hope-filled stories from our many miracle children, their families, and caregivers will help you understand how important your support is to kids right here in our community.”

This year’s Radiothon will be held in remembrance of Jim Raimo, 94.7 WMAS team member and Radiothon supporter, who showed great dedication to Baystate Children’s Hospital. He passed away in 2020, but his efforts for helping local kids get better will not be forgotten.

Last year, more than $226,877 was raised, and Berg noted the entire Radiothon team is “counting on the community to help raise even more for local kids this year.”

Baystate Children’s Hospital is one of 170 fundraising Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the country. All money raised locally goes directly to Baystate Children’s Hospital in Springfield in support of children’s health programs and services.