September 6, 2007/- Moving personal stories from local cancer patients will be shared on radio airwaves across southeastern Ontario September 6 and 7 as the second annual Kingston Cares Radiothon takes place on K-Rock 105.7 and KIX 102.7 in support of University Hospitals Kingston Foundation.

“Our theme this year is Stories of Hope and Heroes,” said Foundation Chair Roger Wright. “We have an incredible line-up featuring the stories of local and regional residents’ experiences with cancer – a disease that has touched the lives of most people in one way or another. Our goal is to raise the profile of all of our cancer care programs.”

The focus of this year’s Radiothon will be on cancer care, which is a shared responsibility among our the three hospitals supported by the Foundation – Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Care. Primary cancer care is delivered by the Cancer Centre for Southeastern Ontario at KGH with Hotel Dieu Hospital and Providence Care providing secondary and related services. Over the next year, a major expansion and renovation of the Cancer Centre will take place as part of a larger redevelopment plan for the university hospitals in Kingston.

Over the course of the Radiothon, which will run from 6 AM to 6 PM daily, patients, physicians and others will share their experiences with cancer – from personal stories to the latest in available treatments. The main lobby at KGH will be transformed into a makeshift studio for the duration of the event. The spotlight will also shine in the lobby of Hotel Dieu Hospital on Sept. 6 from 10 AM to 2 PM and in the lobby at Providence Care’s St. Mary’s of the Lake site from 10 AM to 2 PM on Sept. 7.

Listeners will be asked to support the work of all three hospitals. Donors can give to one hospital, to redevelopment or to where the need is the greatest. Any gift will make a difference.

Area residents will be encouraged to drop by or call 613-532-CARE (2273) or 613-532-CLUB (2583) to make a pledge in support of our hospitals throughout the event. A special appeal will be made for listeners to “join the club” by making an ongoing monthly donation of $12 or more.

For the president of K-Rock 105.7 and KIX 102.7, the opportunity to be involved has significant rewards.

“There is nothing more important to our enjoyment of life than our health,” said John Wright. “When we have a health problem, the people, equipment and facilities at our hospitals are there to fix it. The better our hospitals are, the better chance we have of remaining healthy, so a donation to the Foundation is a donation to help our community get the most out of life. That’s a gift that brings immense satisfaction to me.”

Personalities from both radio stations will be on hand in the main (Davies) lobby at KGH throughout the Radiothon and will be assisted on the phones by professionals from Star Tek, who for the second year are getting behind the Kingston Cares event. Bell Mobility is also a key sponsor.

Last year’s Radiothon raised and collected nearly $70,000, including a donation from the Kids for Kids Hockey Tournament.

University Hospitals Kingston Foundation is the fundraising arm for Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Care. Created in 2005, the Foundation raises money for programs, equipment, education and research that benefit the 500,000 people in Kingston and southeastern Ontario served by the three teaching hospitals. To find out more about giving opportunities or to make a donation call 613-549-5452 or toll-free 866-549-5452 or go online to www.kingstonhospitalsfoundation.ca.