We are in our last Power Hour of the day and the final hour of the Newstalk 1010 SickKids Radiothon, presented by Foresters.

This hour is sponsored by Foresters, the presenting sponsor of our annual Radiothon for the 12th year in a row. Foresters’ support for SickKids through Radiothon has led to great things at SickKids. From 2001 to 2005, Foresters helped contribute to the construction of the state-of-the-art Cardiac Diagnostic and Interventional Unit at SickKids, which is used to diagnose and treat children with congenital heart disease. This Unit houses technology that helps to eliminate the need for open-heart surgery among cardiac patients.

Foresters is a respected international life insurance provider and a fraternal benefit society. Foresters is extremely proud to be member-based, family-focused and community-spirited.

We’ve heard some amazing stories today, but it’s not over yet. Let’s make the final hour of Radiothon a success!

You can donate today at www.sickkidsradiothon.com or by calling 1-877-798-5437.

“There is no place on Earth that feels as comforting as SickKids. It is a place we are accepted and loved and there is something pretty magical about that.” – Heather Hamilton

In 2007, Heather gave birth to twin boys Zack and Jayden. Her first born son Ty was excited to have two new siblings. However, something was not quite right with Zack and he was transferred to the SickKids Critical Care Unit right away. He required resuscitation twice upon arrival.

Zack was constantly at risk for pneumonia and frequently came to SickKids. In February 2011, he was placed on life support. A few weeks later, on March 10, Heather and her husband Paul lost their son. Ty and Jayden lost their brother.

For the Hamilton family, SickKids will always hold a special place in their hearts. Heather is here today to share their story on the Newstalk 1010 SickKids Radiothon. Please donate by visiting www.sickkidsradiothon.com or calling 1-877-798-5437.

In 2010, Thalia, now 9, came to SickKids for the first time. Within 45 minutes of arriving, Thalia was assessed and diagnosed with a brain tumour. Thalia was taken for emergency brain surgery to remove the tumour later that day.

“The timing of Thalia’s diagnosis was critical and the speed and precision at which the doctors came to their conclusions was key to saving her life,” said her mother, Pat. “We were told she could have gone into a coma if she hadn’t been treated so quickly.”

The surgery was followed by six weeks of radiation, four weeks of chemotherapy and an autologous bone marrow transplant.

She returned to school in September 2011 and has begun a gradual recovery as she becomes more physically active.

Thalia and her mom Pat are here at the Newstalk 1010 SickKids Radiothon. Please donate by visiting www.sickkidsradiothon.com or calling 1-877-798-5437.