Annual Cares for Kids Radiothon kicks off highlighting the importance of Sanford Children’s Hospital

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — Over the next two days, several of the Fargo-Moorhead radio stations will be dialing their phones to raise funds for the annual Cares for Kids Radiothon.

“Every year, like I said, this has been going on for 26 years, where we have partnered with our local stations here, like Froggy, KFGO, Y94, and now Jack FM, to really share what goes beyond the walls at Sanford Children’s. So we have about twenty families that are coming in total over the next two days that share their experience of why they needed the services at Sanford Children’s,” said Hillery Mork, Lead Development Officer at Sanford Health Foundation.

Last year, the fundraiser brought in just over $226,000 for Sanford Children’s Hospital. Surpassing the previous year’s record of $185,000.

“Children’s hospitals are very special places, and it’s because of those special programs and the amenities and the services that we have to make it a special place, and that’s really what events like the Cares for Kids Radiothon is all about,” said Mork.

The funds raised during the radiothon is used to support special programs, purchase life-saving medical equipment, and provide education for the children’s hospital. But this year’s radiothon wasn’t only focused on raising funds, but sharing a trip to Walt Disney World for one little girl.

“Pack your bags, you’re going to Walt Disney World,” said Piper Hegland.

Piper is this year’s North Dakota Children’s Miracle Network Champion for Sanford Children’s Hospital. And during her trip to Disney, she will be attending an event with over 20 other kids from across the nation to share her story. Along with sharing her story, she will be dressing up to share what she wants to be when she grows up, a teacher.

“Probably middle school. I’m really strict at teaching,” said Hegland.

Piper and her family will all be going down to Florida, representing North Dakota and the Midwest together.

The radiothon continues on Friday from 5 am to 6 pm.