Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley takes to the airwaves to raise money

BOARDMAN, Ohio - Over the last four years, Holly and Jason Garzanich of Hubbard have volunteered their time answering phones at the "Miracles and Promises" Radiothon at Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley. 

Although, it wasn't until this year they realized the true importance of the event.

In July, Holly gave birth to her third daughter, Abigail, nine weeks early. She spent the next two months of her life at Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley.

"All the nurses, doctors, everyone was so caring. They seem to really take interest in you specifically even though they were dealing to 10 or 20 other babies at the time, too," said Jason Garzanich of Hubbard.

Like the Garzanich's, families, who are forced to spend extended periods of time at the hospital, are given vouchers during their day for things like free meals in the cafeteria, perks, that wouldn't be made possible if it weren't for the Miracles and Promises Radiothon.

"Well the radiothon is so important for so many reasons. We've raised over $540,000 in the past four years. So, this is our fifth annual event and every dollar that we raise stays right here to support our local Mahoning Valley programs and services, things like charity care, unreimbursed programs and services and kids-sized equipment that we need to take care of the children and families that we serve," said JoAnn Stock the director of development at Akron Children's Hospital Mahoning Valley.

While the Hubbard couple isn't answering the phones this year, they are still very much involved in trying to raise money for the hospital, sharing their story over the airwaves, hoping to add to the half a million dollars that's been raised over the last four years.

The radiothon will be broadcast on local radio stations through Friday from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m. 

Donations can also be made online by clicking here.