Dec. 9, 2005
Contact: Laura Frnka, Texas Children’s Hospital
832-824-2645
lafrnka@texaschildrenshospital.org
832-824-2099

Bill Tatar, The New 93Q
281-831-3969
Bill.tatar@cox.com

Tune in to fight childhood cancer

Country Legends 97.1 joins The New 93Q
to help patients and families
at Texas Children’s Cancer Center

HOUSTON – Children and adults affected by pediatric cancer will once again have a unique chance to help patients and families at Texas Children’s Cancer Center, Dec. 15 through Dec. 17.

For the second year in a row, airwaves from The New 93Q (92.9 FM) will be filled with the courageous stories of young cancer patients, former patients and their families. This year, Country Legends (97.1 FM), a sister station to The New 93Q, will join the effort by simultaneously broadcasting its own radiothon. For 33 hours, both stations will air live from Texas Children’s Cancer Center – the largest pediatric hematology and oncology center in the nation.

“Last year’s radiothon surpassed any and all expectations,” said Caroline Devine, regional vice president and market manager of Cox Radio-Houston. “The staff was deeply touched by the patients and families they encountered during the last radiothon. In fact, several of the DJs have maintained relationships with the children they met last year. The experience was extremely rewarding for us and we look forward to another successful event to help raise awareness of this devastating disease.”

Last year’s radiothon netted more than $415,000 in pledges in the fight against childhood cancer, supporting advances in research at Texas Children’s Cancer Center.

“The cost of conducting life-saving research is extraordinary and we are increasingly dependent on the giving spirit of those eager to help us work toward our goal of curing childhood cancer,” said Dr. David Poplack, director of Texas Children’s Cancer Center.

The radiothon is part of the Cure Kids Cancer Coalition – a network of pediatric cancer centers, which raises funds and educates the public about the important work ongoing in the country’s finest pediatric cancer centers.

Cancer remains the leading cause of non-accidental death in children. Each day, the equivalent of two school classrooms are diagnosed with cancer – 12,500 children a year. Pediatric cancer kills more children than asthma, diabetes, cystic fibrosis and AIDS combined.

The radiothon kicks off at Texas Children’s Cancer Center on Thursday, Dec. 15 at 5 a.m. and will run through 7 p.m. that evening. The same hours will apply for Friday, Dec. 16. The radiothon will conclude on Saturday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m.

Listeners who want to make a pledge or call in with a personal story, should call the radiothon pledge line: 1-888-786-8811.

Texas Children’s Cancer Center is an internationally recognized center of excellence in the treatment and research of children with cancer and blood diseases. The physicians and staff conduct more than 25,000 outpatients annually. For more information about the Cancer Center, visit www.texaschildrenshospital.org/cancer.

For more information about The New 93Q, visit www.thenew93Q.com.

For more information about Country Legends 97.1, visit www.countrylegends971.com.

About Cox Radio
The New 93Q, Country Legends 97.1, 107.5 KLDE and 106.9 The Point are owned and operated by Cox Radio, the fourth largest broadcast company in the United States. Caroline Devine is the Regional Vice President and Market Manager of Cox Radio-Houston.

About Texas Children’s Hospital
As one of the nation’s largest pediatric hospitals, Texas Children’s is renowned for its expertise and breakthrough development in the treatment of cancer, premature infants, cardiogenic disorders, diabetes, asthma, HIV/AIDS and attention-related disorders. Since opening its doors in 1954, the Texas Children's Hospital Integrated Delivery System (IDS) has cared for more than 1 million children from every corner of the world, and has more than 2 million patient encounters a year. Internationally recognized, the hospital is ranked in the top four among children’s hospitals by both Child magazine and U.S. News and World Report.