37th annual Z99 Radiothon raises $511,698 for Regina’s NICU

After nearly four decades, Z99’s Radiothon is approaching $12 million in donations to help save babies’ lives in Regina and southern Saskatchewan.

The 37th edition of the annual Radiothon raised $511,698 on Thursday. Since its inception, the Radiothon has raised more than $11.8 million for the Hospitals of Regina Foundation in support of its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

The NICU is located in the Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care at the Regina General Hospital. Each year, 500 babies between 24 and 42 weeks of age receive care in the unit, making it an integral part of the pediatrics program in southern Saskatchewan.

“We cannot thank the Zed Family enough for their continued generosity,” Z99 Morning Show co-hosts Cassity and Wheels said in a media release. “Every year, it seems like the need for our NICU grows, and every single time, without hesitation, the community shows up.

“These donations will literally help save babies’ lives, leaving us speechless to play a small role in that. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you!”

Cassity meets a special guest during the Z99 Radiothon. (Z99/Facebook)

Janessa Fox knows first-hand the importance of the NICU. Her daughters, Madilyn and Bella, both spent 85 days in the unit.

“We’re just so grateful to everyone,” Fox said. “The staff at the NICU were amazing, taking the time to answer all our questions and reassuring us, while taking care of our girls as if they were their own.

“We’re also grateful to Z99, Hospitals of Regina Foundation, and their amazing donors for supplying all the specialized equipment the NICU needs. Without them, our daughters may not even be here today.”

With the community’s support, the Radiothon — through the Hospitals of Regina Foundation — has provided the NICU with leading-edge, lifesaving technology that helps medical teams care for fragile newborns and babies.

“This incredible community continues to show their unwavering generosity and support for important events such as the Z99 Radiothon,” said Dino Sophocleous, president and CEO of the Hospitals of Regina Foundation. “This is evident, not only during and leading up to Radiothon, but throughout the year at the many projects aimed at bettering the lives of the people of southern Saskatchewan.

“Thanks to this amazing community, and our dedicated partners Cassity, Wheels and the Z99 team at Rawlco Radio, we are able to invest in the best pediatric care, right here at home.”