The 16th annual 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon has begun at the Town n’ Country Mall. The radiothon is in partnership with the Moose Jaw Health Foundation and this year is trying to raise $138,000 for the Pediatric and Women’s Health units at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Regional Hospital.  

800 CHAB will broadcast live at the mall for 36 hours, which began at 6:00 a.m. on Thursday and will run until 6:00 p.m. on Friday.  

Over the years the Family First Radiothon has raised over $4.6 million to help the MJHF; some would say it is a very important cause for the hospital. 

Deign Salido is a long-time respiratory therapist who works in both the Women's Health and Pediatric units. He says that he is currently using equipment that radiothon donations helped purchase over the years.  

“This non-invasive ventilator, we just put it out this year. Because of COVID, we couldn’t get to it right away and once we got to it and got it started up, it’s been in good use and we’ve used it a lot on babies that require it.” 

The ventilator allows babies to be stabilized while awaiting transport to Regina or Saskatoon if they’re dealing with any further issues.  

This year the funds will go towards purchasing a new wireless fetal heart monitor, neonatal incubator, phototherapy blanket for the nursery, pediatric glidescope and pediatric beds.  

It is crucial that the hospital receives this new equipment, as the current machines are beginning to become worn out.  

“It’s always great to have the greatest and updated equipment at the Moose Jaw Hospital. New pediatric equipment is no different than any other technical equipment. We have to be prepared.” 

According to the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, over 500 babies are born at the Dr. F.H. Wigmore Hospital annually and hundreds of children receive care at the hospital.   

Without this equipment, patients would have to travel to Regina or Saskatoon for pediatric care or the delivery of their baby. 

The Family First Radiothon is built around the generosity of the people of Moose Jaw and surrounding areas to help support health care workers such as Salido. 

“Those donations really come through.” 

Those wishing to donate can do so in person by stopping in at the mall, over the phone at 692-GIVE, or online on the MJHF’s website.