The MIX 101.5 Duke Children's Radiothon started today. That means no need for much eye make up and be sure to have tissues because it is heart wrenching. My love for children/families in crisis, the "marriage and family" part of my masters, and the friends that have needed Duke Children's Hospital all mix together so that I can hardly tear myself away from the radio. Since you can listen online (www.wralfm.com), I listen on my computer all day at work. Each day I make a pledge in honor/memory of someone I love. Today, they dedicated an hour to the PICU/NICU/CICU. That gave me no option but to pledge $25 in honor of Ryder, the son of one of my dearest friends. He was born a few weeks early with a hole in his heart and an unknown amount of other complications. After several days of back and forth between work and the hospital I was lucky enough to be there when he was rolled out of delivery. I'm not sure I've ever been more excited and scared at the same time. Ryder spent several days in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit. He is now a little over two months old and out of the hospital. Duke was great to him and his parents and my thankfulness came out in the form of a little money today.
The Radiothon will last until Thursday evening. Between now and then I'm sure I'll give more, maybe a 25x12 pledge to give $25/month for the next year? Then in March I'll attend the jazz dance show, Multiple Choices. Its done by the dance school I attended for 10 years as a kid. It too benefits Duke Children's Hospital. Part of the inspiration for that show was the fight against, and eventual death from, a brain tumor of my best friend at seven years old, Jennifer. Another inspiration is one of my brothers best friends who died from complications of a car accident in February of their senior year.
The same parts of me that want to listen to this event and give my money and attend Multiple Choices are the same things that make me want to be a Child Life Specialist. I've seen the hurt, confusion, grief and triumphs in my friends' and family's lives and I want to be a part. To "jump in the trench" with someone and help them find their way out? THAT is awesome. That is why I torture myself with grad school. I don't want to have money withdrawn once a month, I want to be their with them every day.
Not everyone is meant for that, but almost everyone could give something. So check out www.wralfm.com. Give $20 and skip an over-priced movie and popcorn this week and utilize the RedBox. Like the Radiothon slogan says "Because nothing matters more".
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