Once again, Central New York stepped up for the kids, for families, and for hope — all through the annual St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Country Cares Radiothon, presented by Drain Masters.

Day One broke a record, raising more than in 2025.

$36,348.00

Day Two

The trend continued for Day Two. Everyone came together to raise over $100,000 for the 2026 Country Cares St Jude Radiothon, presented by Drain Masters.

$101,005.00

You have helped raise more than HALF A MILLION DOLLARS over the past 9 years!!!

Thanks to you and your big hearts, we’re helping ensure treatment, travel, housing, and food are never a financial burden for families fighting pediatric cancer and other life-threatening illnesses. And the research will continue to find even more cures.

Behind every dollar donated is a life changed. Here’s a look at the amazing individuals you helped through your generosity.

Ahmed — From Patient to 2026 Graduate

After beating cancer once, this Frankfort teen is now a senior in high school, juggling two jobs, sports, leadership roles, and plans for the future.

Ahmed is headed to MVCC this fall with hopes of studying nursing, driven by the care he received at St. Jude and the desire to give back.

READ MORE: CNY Teen Beat Cancer — Now He Wants to Help Others

Anna — A Decade of Life Beyond Treatment

Anna’s story could’ve ended before it began — diagnosed with a rare brain tumor at age 13. But thanks to expert care, this Remsen teen marks 10 years cancer-free this September.

These days, she’s not just surviving — she’s thriving: a homeowner, happily employed, and living a full, adventurous life.

READ MORE: CNY Teen Once Fighting for Her Life is Now Building One

Vincent — 17 Years Later, Still Going Strong

Vincent’s journey began as a second-grader when a brain tumor was discovered thanks to a caring teacher. With rounds of treatment that included St. Jude expertise, he’s now living a full adult life — working, loving fatherhood, and even caring for a loyal dog named Rooster.

His story reminds us that the breakthroughs we fund have long-term impact.

READ MORE: Central New York Family Shares 17-Year St. Jude Journey

Hailey — Seeing the World Her Way

Little Hailey’s story started on a soccer field in Rochester, where sudden vision loss led to the discovery of a rare brain tumor. St. Jude stepped in with world-class treatment and support that went far beyond medicine — including housing, meals, and family care.

Today at 11, Hailey embraces life head-on: conquering ropes courses, zip lines, gymnastics and music — even as she works toward gaining a guide dog to help with independence.

READ MORE: St. Jude Gives Hope to New York Girl Diagnosed with Brain Tumor at 5

Andrew Reppel of Utica

Doctors found cancer wrapped around Andrew's spine. St Jude created a new protocol to treat the Utica 6-year-old.

That boy is now in his 20s, and the Reppel family owes it all to St Jude. "I guess what I felt was thank you. Thank you, Danny Thomas, for being a man who made a difference," said Andrew's father, Stephen. "If you ever wondered if your dollar really did do what they say it does, I would tell you it does."

READ MORE: Utica Boy Survives Cancer Down His Spine

More Research

Treatments invented at St Jude Children's Research Hospital have pushed the overall childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to over 80% since it opened in 1962.

But St Jude won't stop until no child dies from cancer like Colin in Ithaca and Zachary in Buffalo.

Colin Gets 9 More Years

Colin of Ithaca was cancer-free for five years, enjoying life to the fullest and leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met. Unfortunately, he passed away peacefully on St Patrick's Day, March 17, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Even though St Jude couldn't save Colin from the tumor wrapped around his brain, his dad Ian says he'll always support the hospital and their mission, because they gave his family something no one else could. Time. "It's hard to put a dollar value on a life and time spent. St Jude gave me 9 more precious years with my son. How do you quantify that?"

READ MORE: Ithaca Family Gets More Time With Son Thanks to St Jude

Zachary Dievendorf

Zachary of Buffalo lived for 13 years. His memory lives on through his sister Sarah who became a nurse in Buffalo in his honor.

Zachary died from a rare tumor on his brain stem. But his family is grateful. Grateful they got 7 extra precious months thanks to St Jude Children's Research Hospital.

READ MORE: NY Nurse Helping Save Others to Honor Brother Who Died From Rare Brain Tumor

Help Transform Futures

St. Jude isn’t just treating kids… they’re transforming futures. And you helped make that happen.

Haven’t given yet? You can still become a Partner in Hope — monthly gifts make it possible for St. Jude to continue offering lifesaving care without bills.

DONATE ONLINE