Brothers Empty Piggy Banks to Help Local Kids
7-year-old Jaxon and 4-year-old Jeren emptied their piggy banks at the recent Midwest Communications Radiothon for Kids in Sioux Fall, SD. After working hard all summer at their classic lemonade stand, the boys donated their entire $400 profits to Sanford Children’s Hospital. Jaxon specifically set up the lemonade stand over the summer as a way to give back to the hospital that has given so much to him and his family.
Jaxon and Jeren were both diagnosed with a genetic disorder so rare that it doesn’t have a name. At the time Jaxon was born, he was the first person on record to ever have the disease, so three years later when Jeren was born with the same symptoms, their parents and doctors were left with more questions than answers.
Today, Jaxon has some difficulties with breathing and vision impairment, but for Jeren, the disorder has caused greater troubles. Jeren was born both blind and struggling to breathe. He spent his first 30 days in the Sanford Boekelheide NICU and has been in and out of the hospital since. Jeren suffers from regular seizures, night terrors, and chronic respiratory issues that can stop his ability to breathe at any time. However, the family doesn’t let the boys’ disorders get in the way of being typical kids.
The family joins KTWB 92.5 morning show hosts, Chris and Doc; KELO-FM 101.9 host Andy Harris joined by Cindy Rippe; and Q95.7’s Cartwright Brothers every year for the Radiothon event. Having formed a special bond with the on-air staff over the years, the boys specifically wanted to donate the profits from the lemonade stand on-air as part of their participation.
Midwest Communications Radiothon for Kids raised $216,621 in 2016 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Sanford Children’s Hospital.
Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals Radiothons are broadcasted on over 350 radio stations each year. Stations engage listeners with inspiring stories of Miracle Children from area communities and ask listeners to call in and pledge support for local kids.