The 8th annual Cat Country Cares for Kids Radiothon, presented by Hanto & Clarke General Contractors, raised $300,000 to create a dedicated Pediatric Sedation Suite at Studer Family Children’s Hospital at Ascension Sacred Heart.
The suite, a first for Northwest Florida, will benefit more than 1,000 children each year, creating a space designed to make procedures safer, less frightening, and more comfortable while keeping families close to home.
It will support advanced imaging, lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies, and other procedures requiring pediatric sedation in an environment created specifically for children and their families. For children with chronic or complex illnesses, including cancer, the Pediatric Sedation Suite will create a more consistent and reassuring experience across multiple visits throughout treatment.
The one-day broadcast was hosted by Cat Country 98.7 personalities Brent Lane, Jordan Glass and Chris Clare, along with WEAR-TV’s Sue Straughn. The broadcast featured heartfelt stories from patient families and highlighted the critical role Studer Family Children’s Hospital plays in providing advanced, compassionate pediatric care close to home.
“It means so much to see our community come together to help make a difference for children and families,” said WEAR host Sue Straughn. “The generosity of local viewers and businesses continues to amaze me. Knowing these gifts will help create a space where children can receive care in a more comfortable and reassuring environment is incredibly meaningful.”
“In the 8th year the Cat Family answered the call… to help local kids feel less anxiety as they prepare for things like an MRI,” says Brent Lane. “We’re proud to use our platform to support Studer Family Children’s Hospital and help bring specialized care closer to home for families throughout our area and this year checking in on the families whose stories we have grown up listening to has been special.”
“Our community continues to demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to making pediatric care better for children and their families,” said Adrienne Maygarden, president of Ascension Sacred Heart Foundation. “I’m especially grateful to the families who open their hearts and share their experiences, helping others understand the difference compassionate, specialized care can make. Their stories, along with the generosity of our donors, are strengthening care for children across Northwest Florida.”
Gulf Winds Credit Union supported the effort by matching Radiothon gifts dollar-for-dollar, up to $20,000, providing an additional incentive for donors to support the campaign.
