In 2016, MU Children’s Hospital saw 43,000 patients. Not 43,000 visits; 43,000 children whose pediatric needs brought them to the largest and most comprehensive pediatric care center in mid-Missouri. Those children and their “Miracle Families” will be the focus of Columbia’s airwaves later this week.

Children’s Miracle Network, the Missouri Credit Union and Zimmer Radio Group will team up to host the 11th annual Miracles for Kids Radiothon on Thursday and Friday, February 16-17. Local Zimmer radio stations (93.9 FM The Eagle, 94.3 FM KAT Country, 99.3 FM Clear 99 and 106.9 FM Y107) will broadcast the Radiothon both days from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., during which listeners will hear from patients and their families about health and healing, as well as department directors and staff members.

“Although each child’s story is different, what they have in common is a team of ‘miracle makers’ — from the patients themselves, to their families, to the staff and physicians here at Children’s Hospital, and throughout our community,” says Timothy Fete, M.D., medical director of Children’s Hospital. “Efforts like the Radiothon show us all that coming together can have a huge effect on the lives of our smallest patients.”

One of 170 Children’s Miracle Network hospitals across the country (and one of five in Missouri), MU Children’s Hospital has access to national partners and brands who assist in fundraising throughout the year. But even with national relationships, every penny raised through fundraising and Radiothon efforts will stay in mid-Missouri, supporting purchases for the latest pediatric medical technology and funding various patient care programs — think music therapy, school teachers and child life services.

“I think our staff and supporters really understand and appreciate the fact that our fundraising efforts will 100 percent stay local,” says Kristen J. Fritschie, coordinator for the Children’s Miracle Network with MU Health Care. Throughout the past 10 years, the Radiothon has raised more than $2 million. This year, they hope to surpass last year’s total of $185,000.

“These employees love to support something they know that is going to come back and benefit their patients,” Fritschie says. “I’m not a doctor, and I’m not a nurse. So while I can’t medically save their lives, I feel like I am helping improve the quality of their lives every day.”

Whether you’re a member of the Mizzou family in Columbia, around that state or across the country, you can rally behind the patients at MU Children’s Hospital and become part of the ‘miracle maker’ team by donating here or calling 866- 970-GIVE.