PORTLAND, Maine (WGME) – The 20th annual Cares for Kids Radiothon will air this Friday through Saturday, raising funds for the MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital (BBCH).
Since 2006, the event has raised over $4.5 million, making it one of the hospital’s biggest fundraisers. This year, the radiothon is highlighting BBCH’s new pediatric cardiac program.
Before birth, 7-month-old Annie was diagnosed with a rare heart condition requiring complex surgery. Her parents, Richard and Rachel Bicknell of Windham, feared they’d need to travel to Boston for treatment, but thanks to the new program, Annie received care in Portland.
“We were able to stay home, close to family and support, for this major surgery,” Rachel said.
At just three days old, Annie became the first newborn in over a decade at BBCH to undergo an arterial switch operation. Dr. Ziyad Binsalamah, a pediatric cardiac surgeon at MaineHealth, led the surgery and has been working to build a top-tier cardiac program at BBCH.
“The outcome has been amazing. She almost has a normal heart and is developing as a healthy child,” Dr. Binsalamah said.
Annie spent 22 days in the hospital and has had follow-up appointments, but doctors believe she will live a normal, unrestricted life.
You can help children like Annie continue to receive the best care by donating to this year’s Cares for Kids Radiothon.
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