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Fifth annual radiothon to benefit pediatric care at University Hospital begins Nov. 1

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— The fifth annual Radiothon for the Golisano Children's Hospital, presented by ClearChannel Radio to benefit pediatric services at University Hospital, will be broadcast live on Newsradio 570 WSYR from University Hospital and Carousel Center Nov. 1 and 2, from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m., and from the Carousel Center on Nov. 3.

Central New Yorkers can make a pledge by calling 315-464-KIDS (5437) during the radiothon or by participating in the radiothon's Change Bandit campaign.

The radiothon will feature live interviews with the families of children who have been treated at University Hospital, members of the hospital's pediatric team and community advocates for children's health.

"University Hospital is a leader in child healthcare, research, advocacy and education," said Toni Gary, director of community relations for the Golisano Children's Hospital at University Hospital, which is set to open in 2009. "Our team of pediatric specialists treat the most complex cases in our region. The radiothon will feature discussions on the most recent advances in medicine and in research into children's disease."

Onondaga County Executive Nicholas Pirro, who has served as honorary chair for the radiothon, will also participate.

Last year's two-day radiothon raised more than $60,000—approximately $54,000 through phone donations.

"In addition to the call-in pledges, we are once again offering Central New Yorkers another fun way to donate by inviting them to become change bandits," said Gary. "Change bandits look for loose change in their own homes, or ask friends, classmates, co-workers, and neighbors for their loose change. It's amazing how the change does add up," said Gary, noting that last year's radiothon raised more than $7,000 through the change bandit effort.

Change bandits receive a special kit that includes a Change Bandit badge, coin collection bag/cannister, drop-off form and posters to display at school or in the office. The names of Change Bandits who collect $50 or more will be eligible to win dinner for two at Carrabba's Italian Grill. To obtain a Change Bandit kit, call 315-464-5748 or e-mail tetraulr@upstate.edu.

The Golisano Children's Hospital Radiothon is co-sponsored by the Upstate Medical University Foundation.

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