Thanks to the efforts of Univision Radio and thousands of listeners around the country, more than $4.8 million in cash and pledges were raised during the annual "Promesa y Esperanza" (Promise and Hope) radiothon benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®. Loyal listeners of Univision Radio, the leading Spanish-language radio group, joined the fight against childhood cancer by pledging a monetary donation during the radiothon, which took place on March 4-5 in 17 cities including Miami, Los Angeles, Dallas, Chicago and Puerto Rico.
"Everyone at St. Jude is grateful for the continued generosity of the Hispanic community. We are fortunate to have their tremendous support as we fight against childhood cancer and other deadly diseases," said Richard C. Shadyac Jr., CEO of ALSAC, the fundraising organization of St. Jude. "Through the success of events like the Promesa y Esperanza radiothon and the support of Univision Radio, our precious patients are given hope."
During the two-day radiothon, listeners of Univision Radio in communities around the country became Angeles de Esperanza (Partners in Hope) with a monthly $20 donation. These donations help St. Jude to continue vital research and patient care while ensuring that no child is ever denied treatment because of a family's inability to pay.
"It is an honor for Univision Radio to support the St. Jude mission through this national initiative and give hope to thousands of children and their families," said Gary Stone, president and chief operating officer, Univision Radio. "This great event demonstrates our company's commitment to help find a cure for childhood cancer and other deadly diseases."
St. Jude patients joined Univision DJs in radio booths across the country to share their story with listeners and volunteers. Stars from the Latin music world who also supported the St. Jude mission included singers Thalia, Luis Enrique, Luis Fonsi, Victor Manuel, Huey Dunbar, Pewee, Herencia de Tierra Caliente, Sergio Antonio, Giro López, Tati, Diana Reyes, Joey Montana, Rick Orozco, Jenny Rivera, Christian Chavez, Gloria Estefan, Don Francisco, as well as some of Univision's most popular television personalities, including Raul Gonzalez from "Despierta América", Raul Molina from "El Gordo y La Flaca", and Marisa del Portillo from "Escándalo TV". Some of Univision Radio's most popular radio personalities gave their time and talent to help the children of St. Jude, such as El Piolin, la Dra. Isabel, Javier Romero, Enrique Santos, Julie Stav, Luisa Fernanda, Carlos Calderon, Raúl Brindis, Dr. Aliza Lifshitz and many more.
