CHARLESTON, W.Va. — 580 WCHS will kick off its 11th annual Radiothon Thursday to benefit St. Jude research hospital.
Associate Director at St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Dan Warbel said although advancements had been made in cancer research, they need funding now more than ever.
“Even more. As the population grows, the percentages tell us that more kids will get cancer this year than last year just because there’s more people in the word,” said Warbel.
Warbel said that death statistics for children diagnosed with cancer are still staggering.
“Right now we lose about one out of every five kids that are diagnosed with cancer in the United States,” he said. “Around the world that percentage is even higher. So again, the need is even greater now because we’re getting close to a cure but its like running a marathon.”
Donations to cancer research have led to more advanced cures, such as proton beam treatment, said Warbel.
“It was because of partners of hope that we were able to make this huge commitment to come up with a proton beam center just for children,” Warbel said.
Eagle View Luxury Apartments will sponsor the event Thursday and Friday.
To donate $20 a month and become a partner of hope, visit 580wchs.com and click donate now, or call 1-800-942-8731.