JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The annual Wolfson Children’s Challenge Telethon at WJXT returns this week with an ambitious goal -- to raise $100,000 to help provide lifesaving and life-changing care for local children in need of important comprehensive therapy services.
Wolfson Children’s Hospital representatives said that since the telethon began, it has twice raised more than $90,000, but crossing the $100,000 mark hasn’t happened -- yet.
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This year, though, every dollar donated will get Wolfson closer to its goal of passing $1 million raised since the start of the telethon!
The telethon will be from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. Thursday, and every donation, whether big or small, makes a difference for local children. We’ll share the number to call once the telethon begins.
The hospital, which first opened its doors in 1955, has once again partnered with WJXT to host a day of donating at Channel 4’s studios with all proceeds going to Wolfson Children’s Rehabilitation – which is a resource available at the main hospital and several outpatient clinics – offering specialized care for children in Northeast Florida and South Georgia dealing with sensory, movement, feeding and communication difficulties.
The telethon is part of an annual fundraising initiative—the Wolfson Children’s Challenge—celebrating 17 years this year. The Wolfson Children’s Challenge was created in 2009 by Paul Wilson, whose newborn son, Luke, underwent surgery just hours after his birth. Paul hoped to raise $5,000 by running 55 miles – honoring the year the hospital opened in 1955.
Wilson’s mission has continued every year, and more than $4 million has been raised to fund technology and programs to better care for pediatric patients.
Every year, the Wolfson Children’s Challenge honors 55 current and former patients of all ages who represent the wide range of conditions treated at Wolfson Children’s Hospital.
Known as the “Wolfson 55,” each child and family has a unique story to tell about the strength and hope it takes to fight a health battle. We have listed a few of the honorees and their stories below.
Wolfson 55: Greyson
We were transferred to Wolfson Children’s from another hospital. We walked into the double doors terrified, yet full of optimism. Our journey was full of ups and downs, lots of tears, joined with lots of laughs. We learned as a family that grief and gratitude CAN coexist. At 5 months old, our son was sent to surgery and on day 239, we went home as a family of three - finally. We met the most amazing support system who held our hand through the tough days and who let go when it was time for us to finally go home. Wolfson was the best thing that ever happened to not only us as first-time parents but to our son.
Wolfson 55: Braylen
Braylen visits the hospital regularly for an array of appointments. From labs, to inpatient studies, to outpatient imaging, our experience with Wolfson Children’s Hospital has been unforgettable. Staff is beginning to feel like family and that is much needed on his health journey.
Wolfson 55: Madie
Wolfson Children’s has always been a place of comfort and peace for Madie. From the very first day in the NICU, Wolfson Children’s gave us something priceless: hope for Madie’s future. She adores her nurses and therapists, and the bonds she’s built with the staff have grown into lifelong friendships. We are so grateful for the incredible professionals and compassionate care that make Wolfson Children’s feel like a second home.
Wolfson 55: Samantha
Our experience at Wolfson Children’s began when my daughter was brought in to Wolfson Town Center ER after she reportedly collided heads with her brother and began to experience some confusion. Upon our arrival, her speech became slurred and her right arm and right leg were intermittently flaccid. A stroke code was activated and the transport arrived to take us to Wolfson Children’s Hospital downtown. The ER team worked hard and fast to get Samantha in the MRI to determine what was transpiring. Everyone worked together to make this happen, as she eventually needed to be placed under anesthesia to complete this test. Samantha received so much love and care from every nurse, CNA, housekeeper, provider, etc., that crossed her path. We were grateful to have met Mary Lauren of Child Life, who helped make Samantha and her siblings adjust and push through this traumatic event. We had such a huge multidisciplinary team, and I felt full confidence that Samantha would be well cared for
Wolfson 55: Byran
My family’s experience at Wolfson Children’s Hospital has been both amazing and life-changing. Byran’s journey with Wolfson Children’s began in 2017 during his NICU stay, which lasted 10 months and included time in the PICU. Over the years, he has undergone several major surgeries, each of which has greatly contributed to improving and sustaining his quality of life. I am truly grateful to live in a city where Byran has access to such an exceptional healthcare facility and the dedicated team who provide his care.
To celebrate all 55 honorees, the community is asked to attend the Wolfson Children’s Challenge on Saturday, Jan. 31.
The Wolfson Children’s Challenge will feature a 5K and a 1-mile fun run, both designed to make the experience more inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
The event will occur at the Winston Family YMCA in Riverside, allowing for a special moment on the course when runners pass by the hospital’s front entrance.
Even if you’re not a runner, community members can enjoy the Kids Village from 7:30-10:30 a.m.! Click here to register and for more information.
Click here for more information on the Wolfson Children’s Challenge.