Niswonger Children’s Hospital Radiothon raises $664,000 for pediatric surgery services

Thanks to support from community members across the Appalachian Highlands, pediatric surgery services will benefit from $664,000 raised during this year's Niswonger Children’s Hospital Radiothon. This amount represents the total funds raised through the 2026 event to support surgery services at Niswonger Children's Hospital.

The 2026 Niswonger Children’s Hospital Radiothon concluded Friday evening. It wrapped up a 48-hour fundraising push for pediatric surgery at the hospital. The funds raised will convert two rooms into surgical space. This change will allow more patients to receive necessary surgery close to home.

“Community support is the backbone of this fundraiser every year,” said Chris Jett, chief executive officer of Niswonger Children’s Network, which includes the children’s hospital. “Every Radiothon, it amazes me to see this community come together and support our children. These funds will go a long way for our patients who need surgery. We are very grateful for the support our community gives us every year to help meet our goals.”

This year’s event saw remarkable engagement across the region, with more than 845 donors contributing to the 2026 Radiothon total. Gifts ranged from first-time donations to longstanding annual contributions. This broad support shows strong community investment in local pediatric healthcare.

Carol Lawler, a longtime Radiothon donor, made a $150,000 gift this year to Niswonger Children’s Hospital and its network. She issued a challenge during the event, which was successfully met by other donors.

Over its 14-year history, the Niswonger Children’s Hospital Radiothon has raised more than $5 million. More than half of those funds were raised in the past four years. Niswonger Children’s Hospital is the only children’s hospital in the region. It provides critical pediatric services that would not otherwise be available in the Appalachian Highlands.

Previous Radiothon fundraisers have supported the purchase of updated medical equipment and critical emergency transportation vehicles. They have also helped expand the hospital to include the newest neonatal intensive care unit in Tennessee and Virginia.

Community support has also helped the hospital recruit and retain clinicians who provide subspecialty services. This support greatly helps children with complex medical needs and their families. Niswonger Children’s Hospital currently offers a wide variety of surgical services. These include orthopedic, gastroenterological, dental, pulmonological, ophthalmological (eye procedures), otolaryngological (ear, nose, and throat), and general surgery.

“The thing about healthcare is that it’s always changing,” said Jack Simpson, president of Ballad Health Foundation. “Research is always happening, and there’s always new technology or techniques. It’s our duty to ensure the latest and greatest are available for our patients. Every dollar raised stays local and helps us invest in high-quality care. We are grateful for everyone who has invested in our region’s future by supporting Niswonger Children’s Hospital.”

Though the 2026 Niswonger Children’s Hospital Radiothon has concluded, donations are accepted year-round at www.balladhealth.org/foundation.