My Experience at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

You may not know me, so let me introduce myself to you. I am part of the Townsquare Binghamton family, and I've been the Brand Manager for our sister radio station 99.1 The Whale for more years than I can count. Last year, in addition to The Whale, I became the Brand Manager for 98.1 The Hawk, and it's been a great experience.

One of those great experiences was a few weeks ago when I was asked to represent 98.1 The Hawk at the  Country Cares Radio Seminar at the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. It's been a long time since I've traveled anywhere outside of the Southern Tier of New York or the Northern Tier of Pennsylvania, so I was really looking forward to the trip.

I was given the opportunity to see and learn all about the hospital. Up to this point, I really didn't know much about it, and didn't know what to expect.

My visit was nothing short of amazing. I went through emotions I have not experienced in a long time, including joy and awe at how St. Jude operates. The hospital and research facility are unlike any other. They are committed to helping sick children and finding cures.

My visit to the hospital side was not what I expected. Inside and out, it does not look like a hospital. And that is a good thing. When a child arrives for treatment, they shouldn't have to feel uncomfortable upon entering the building. St. Jude Hospital is warm and welcoming. The staff is the best in the world. Walls and floors are painted with cool designs and murals.

In one of the rooms, I noticed some of the ceiling lights had a covering showing the sky, the sun and a few clouds all lit up. To me, it felt so calming and I'm sure it does for the kids as well. This was just a part of my experience at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. I'll have more to share my St. Jude experience with you in my next article.

As you know, 98.1 The Hawk is in the midst of our annual two day St. Jude Radiothon. After my visit, I now realize how important it is that we do this every year. Your Partner in Hope donation goes to help the kids at St. Jude and ensure that the research continues to find more more ways to battle and hopefully cure cancer.

Would you please take a moment and call our local volunteers to become a Partner in Hope? Call 1-800-372-4999. I, along with our TownSquare Binghamton staff and many awesome people in our community are on the phones Thursday and Friday, February 6th and 7th, waiting to talk with you. Can you help? Believe me, I now know why it's so important.