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Superhero-themed telethon benefiting Phoenix Children's Hospital helps raise $740,000

Posted at 3:39 PM, Apr 04, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-12 12:39:23-04

April 11 was a huge day for us here at ABC15, as we broadcast live from Phoenix Children's Hospital to help raise money for the patients there.

The 6th Annual ABC15 Telethon Benefiting Phoenix Children’s Hospital accepted donations continuously for more than 13 hours, and raised nearly three-quarters of a million dollars.  

2017 PCH Telethon TOTAL: $740,585 

Donations are still being accepted. If you would like to contribute, you can do so by donating online here.

The event featured a superhero theme to honor the patients fighting for their lives, and it included many of the anchors and reporters you see every day on ABC15. They were joined by Valley celebrities and character appearances, a phone bank staffed by sponsors and volunteers, “wonder dogs” from the Pet Therapy program, and the real heroes – patients and families – sharing their inspirational stories. 

ABC15 viewers had the option to become Heroes for Hope and save the day for Phoenix Children’s patients by giving a Superhero Sidekick - superhero teddy bears, monkeys, and pandas - to a child when they made a monthly pledge of $20 or a single gift of $240 or more. All donations help save young lives by supporting the hospital’s Hope Fund, which finances innovative research, cutting-edge technology, the recruitment of leading physicians, and the child-friendly programs and services that make the hospital environment more comfortable for young patients.  

“The resources ABC15 dedicates to sharing the lifesaving work being done at the Hospital is extremely commendable and we are grateful for their support of the families whose lives are forever changed after receiving care,” said Steve Schnall, the Hospital’s Senior Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “Thanks to ABC15’s compassionate storytelling and the loyal backing of their partners, the Telethon brings in vital funding that allows us to provide world-class healthcare to the children of our community and beyond.”

As Arizona’s only licensed children’s hospital, Phoenix Children’s will treat one in four children in the state within a five-year period. The hospital is now the sixth largest children’s hospital in the nation, with 433 beds. Community support from events such as the ABC15 Telethon allows the hospital to meet new challenges in pediatric healthcare and ensures that support is available for the most imperative needs when it is needed most.