INDIANOLA, Iowa — On Wednesday, Variety – the Children’s Charity and radio partner 92.5 KJJY hosted the second day of the Two Days of Compassion radiothon.
The radiothon benefits Variety’s Compassion Fund, which is used to help Iowa families with children going through critical illnesses, like the Wright Family from Indianola.
"I like to play around with my brother, and some of my friends in my neighborhood," said 10-year-old Harper Wright.
Born with a rare genetic condition, Treacher Collins Syndrome, Harper has spent much of her life at doctor's offices and in hospitals.
In January, Harper and her parents Whitney and Brett traveled to Ohio for her biggest surgery yet.
"We did that one too in hopes to get her trach out, her tracheostomy, which was helping her breathe because her airway was so small, which the surgery was successful,” Whitney said. “She got her trach out as of January of this year. So, she's almost had her trach out a whole year, which is exciting."
Variety reached out to the Wright family and offered a donation to help them.
"You know, the money that was provided to us through the compassion fund was very helpful when we were traveling so much since we weren't close to home,” Whitney said.
She said no matter how much someone can plan for medical issues, its touching people are willing to donate.
"To know that there are people out there that care and want to help. I think it's more meaningful than people realize,” Whitney said.
Harper, too, is thrilled by the kindness of strangers.
"It made me feel happy inside, that I could have my surgeries,” Harper said.
The Wright family said compassion from others has helped their family be a family.
"It makes it a little bit easier and not so stressful at that time that is already stressful,” Whitney said.
Here's how you can donate:
- Call 92.5 KJJY at 515-276-6669 until 6 p.m. Tuesday, or from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday
- Venmo @VarietyIowa
- Through the Variety website