Client: Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago
Source: Daily Herald
She is a cancer survivor, philanthropist, and just nine years old. Bella Yakos, a featured speaker on the five day “Erik & Kathy’s Kids” radiothon broadcast helped raise almost $1 million for Lurie Children’s Hospital:
After being diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroblastoma–a childhood cancer that forms from nerve cells–in August 2014, Bella underwent surgery, chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant, and radiation.
Bella is now nine months in remission and is participating in a two-year clinical trial in Grand Rapids, Michigan, designed to stave off a relapse.
Sharing the story of Bella’s cancer fight on 101.9 FM The MIX was a “no-brainer” if it helped to raise money and awareness for a cause near to their hearts, Bella’s father Ryan Yakos said.
“We were touched by Bella’s story,” said Morgan Shea, director of the hospital’s Children’s Miracle Network. “Her family is so endearing, and her fight was so remarkable. She has been an inspiration.”
Hospital representatives say the money raised during the radiothon supports pediatric cancer research, which only receives about 4 percent of cancer funding nationwide.
“It’s important to raise awareness and … to always support hospitals and their research,” Ryan Yakos said. “This almost grassroots-type support is how advances in finding a cure and advances in medicine happen.”
Daily Herald, “From Lemonade Stand to $1 Million Radiothon, Algonquin girl, 9, battles cancer,” September 26, 2016