For the first time ever, the annual iHeartMedia Cares for Kids Radiothon and the TV celebration broadcast in Augusta are being combined into one Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals fundraiser. On Dec. 7-9, iHeartMedia stations 104.3 WBBQ, KISS 96.3, and 105.7 The Bull will join forces with News 12 NBC 26 to share unique stories of specialized patient care provided at the nation’s highest ranking academic health center for pediatric quality and safety – the Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

The 17^th annual iHeartMedia Cares for Kids Radiothon will broadcast live from the lobby of the children’s hospital from 6 a.m. –  7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, sharing dozens of stories, interviews and information about the indispensable local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. In addition, News 12 NBC 26 will have live segments during the regularly scheduled newscasts to support the largest annual fundraiser for Augusta’s only children’s hospital, including sharing the patient stories of:

• Anthony Hicks, who at about 18 months, had his whole skull removed and expertly reshaped by neurosurgery and craniofacial experts at Children’s to relieve the pressure on his brain that was stunting his growth.

• Reagan Milford, 2, who had a mass on her kidney and the kidney removed and is currently undergoing chemotherapy for clear cell sarcoma

• Jonah Keener, a bubbly 6-year-old battling spina bifida and related medical complications

Caring for kids like Reagan, Jonah, and Anthony requires expertly trained pediatric specialists, because they’re not just little adults. That’s why community and national support is so vital to keep the not-for-profit Children’s Hospital of Georgia running smoothly by enabling the purchases of unique items like Kangaroo Chairs, Gliders, Mamaroo Swings, transilluminators, Child Life supplies, bassinets, blanket warmers, and funds for several annual kids’ camps.

You can support the Children’s Hospital of Georgia by making a pledge at 1-866-412-KIDS (5437) or at the Cares For Kids Radiothon website. With your help, children like Reagan, Jonah, and Anthony will have a better chance at living a more quality life through the medical advances and care found only at a Children’s Miracle Network Hospital like Children’s Hospital of Georgia.

iHeartMedia is also supporting Children’s Hospital of Georgia through 104.3 WBBQ 70th Birthday Bash, featuring music legends Rick Springfield and Richard Marx. Proceeds from the Dec. 6 concert benefit the Children’s Hospital. Tickets are available at georgialinatix.com, by phone at 877-428-4849 at at the SRP Box Office at James Brown Arena.