Second annual Hispanic Radiothon to help children with cancer and other deadly diseases

St. Jude Children's Research HospitalOct 5 2009

Spanish Language Radiothon 'Promesa y Esperanza' to Take Place October 8-9, 2009

Davidson Media Group (DMG) and St. Jude Children's Research Hospital(R) announce second annual Promesa y Esperanza (Promise and Hope) radiothon to be held October 8th and 9th. More than a dozen Spanish language radio stations across the country, including Philadelphia, Charlotte, New Orleans, Providence, Minneapolis, and Kansas City will encourage listeners to support St. Jude in its fight against childhood cancer and other deadly diseases by calling 1-800-998-VIDA (8432) from 7:00 AM- 7:00 PM (EDT) to make a donation.

The goal of this event is to educate the Hispanic community about St. Jude, which provides medical care to thousands of sick children regardless of their family's ability to pay. During the broadcast, listeners will hear emotional stories from Hispanic patients and families who are battling cancer at St. Jude, including Valeria Ruiz. A native of Puerto Rico, 3-year-old Valeria is receiving medical treatment at St. Jude after being diagnosed with medulloblastoma, an aggressive brain tumor.

Thanks to St. Jude and donations from monthly donors called Angeles de Esperanza (Partners in Hope), children like Valeria have the opportunity to receive cutting-edge medical care. In 2008, DMG dedicated close to 30 hours of programming and raised more than $776,000 for the children of St. Jude, one of the world's premier pediatric cancer research centers.

"It is always great to see how Latinos throughout the country embrace the mission of St. Jude. Again this year, Davidson Media Group is committed to helping the children of St. Jude and we encourage our loyal listeners to join in this effort to save children's lives, we care about making a difference and giving back to those who need us most", said Felix L. Perez, President and CEO of Davidson Media Group. Davidson Media Group owns 37 Radio stations in 19 different markets throughout the U.S.

"We are so grateful to these dedicated Spanish language radio stations and their generous listeners, who have embraced the St. Jude mission of finding cures and saving children," said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. "It is heartwarming to see the Hispanic community rally around our cause every year, and I know that the funds raised during Promesa y Esperanza will inspire hope in our precious patients and their families."

Since opening in 1962, St. Jude has treated children from all 50 states and around the world. From public donations such as the Promesa y Esperanza radiothon, St. Jude researchers and doctors are able to share medical discoveries around the world, including several Latin American countries, to help increase survival rates for children with cancer and other catastrophic illnesses.