Why Should You Get Involved in Radiothon?

Patients, team members, and community partners and volunteers of the region’s only children’s hospital will kick off the 2026 Ballad Health Niswonger Children's Hospital Radiothon on March 5th & 6th this year.

For 14 years now, radiothon has brought the community together for a good cause through media outlets. Four of Holston Valley Broadcasting Corporation’s radio stations (98.5 WTFM, 95.9 The Hog WRZK, Classic Hits 102.7 FM, and ESPN Tri-Cities) will broadcast stories featuring families treated at Niswonger Children’s Hospital, doctors, and other staff members who work in the hospital. This is a day of encouraging the community to give back to their local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital, as we rely on community supported funds to help us continue to provide excellent care to our patients and their families. The radiothon is the children’s hospital’s largest annual fundraiser for babies, children, teenagers and their families in the Appalachian Highlands.

The 2026 Radiothon will support the newly announced expansion into Niswonger Children's Network. Through Ballad Health affiliate clinics and primary care offices, the expansion ensures that kids and families in every area of our region receive the same quality care they would as if they were treated at Niswonger Children's Hospital.

At Niswonger Children's Hospital we believe that seeing a kite fly from the ground and flutter in the breeze is a sign of hope and healing. By supporting Radiothon and raising funds and awareness for our hospital, you are helping us make kites fly, to help and heal the young people of this region - and, ultimately, to make hope rise.

Meet our 2026 Champion Child

Emmett

Trauma Injury and Symes Amputation

At just two years old, Emmett experienced a tragic lawn mower accident and was rushed by emergency services to Niswonger Children's Hospital. His mom, Emilee, remembers how the care team immediately surrounded their family with compassion and support. A child life specialist stayed with Emmett to help him stay calm. At the same time, a chaplain comforted the family, offering reassurance during the overwhelming hours that followed. Emmett underwent emergency surgery, resulting in a partial amputation of his right foot. After healing, he received a brace and began regular speech and physical therapy at Niswonger Children's. Despite the challenges, Emmett grew to love his hospital visits, finding safety and joy in the kindness shown to him. Now four years old, Emmett doesn't let anything slow him down. He has since had a symes amputation and still continues therapy, but he faces every part of his journey with resilience, strength, and an unshakable spirit.

Click here to read about all of our 2026 child ambassadors!