Annual Z99 Radiothon raises $413,607 for Regina’s NICU

The 39th annual Z99 Radiothon, a fundraiser for babies in Regina’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), raised more $413,607 over the past 39 years.

Starting early Thursday morning, hosts of the Z99 Morning Show, Justin Wheels and Shauna Foster, took over the airwaves with the hopes of fundraising life-saving dollars for babies in Regina and southern Saskatchewan.

In 39 years, the radiothon has raised more than $12 million for the Hospitals of Regina Foundation in support of the NICU located in the Rawlco Centre for Mother Baby Care at the Regina General Hospital.

Read more:

• Z99 Radiothon returns on Thursday for 39th year, supporting Regina’s NICU
• Annual Z99 Radiothon raises $445,694 for Regina’s NICU
• Sask. health minister, NDP battle over claims about Regina’s NICU

In a statement from the Rawlco Radio, Justin, Wheels and Foster of the Z99 Morning Show said there’s something remarkable about the Saskatchewan community.

“The way people step up, open their hearts and give so selflessly, it never stops amazing us. Every story we hear and every contribution made is a reminder that this isn’t just fundraising … it’s real impact,” the statement read. “It’s hope for families, it’s strength in the hardest moments and it’s care that’s literally helping save little lives right here at home. We don’t take a second of it for granted.

“To everyone who shows up, gives what they could, and continues to stand behind this cause year after year — you made a difference,” the statement said, sharing deep gratitude from the hosts.

Lisa Webb, who gave birth to her daughter on Feb. 24 last year at just 29 weeks pregnant, remembered the 60 days her daughter spent in the NICU. A routine pregnancy turned into a life-altering emergency in a matter of hours for Lisa Webb.

“It was a really normal pregnancy. Every appointment and every ultrasound were seamless,” Webb recalled, “and then I was told I’d be having my baby that night at 29 weeks.

“It was a huge shock.”

Webb said it quickly became clear something was wrong without anyone needing to say it.

“More and more staff kept coming into the room, and I just knew something wasn’t right. Alarm bells were going off in my head.”

Before her daughter was even born, NICU staff walked Webb through what would happen next.

“The NICU is amazing. They explained everything before she was born, and that really helped. Knowledge is power in that situation,” she expressed.

Web said it was the small gestures from staff that made the biggest difference.

“The nurses are great, even sending pictures when I couldn’t be there. Just the little things they take the time to do are amazing.”

Balancing time between home and the hospital was one of the toughest parts of Webb’s experience.

“I definitely felt like I was missing moments in both places,” Webb shared. “My kids needed me at home, but my baby needed me there too.”

Webb said every donation, no matter the size, helps improve care.

“You don’t have to donate a substantial amount. You can donate $10 or $15, it all goes a long way.”

She said no family expects to need the NICU, but having it close to home is critical.

“You never think it’s going to happen to you, but when it does, you want that level of care close to home,” Webb said.

The president and CEO of the Hospitals of Regina Foundation, Dino Sophocleous, thanked what he called an “amazing community” and “dedicated partners Justin, Wheels and Shauna Foster” and the entire Rawlco Radio Z99 team.

“This incredible community continues to show their immense generosity and support for important events such as the Z99 Radiothon. This is evident, not only during and leading up to the radiothon, but throughout the year at the many events aimed at improving the lives of the people of southern Saskatchewan,” he said.

Each year, about 500 babies require care in the NICU at Regina General Hospital.

Proceeds from the yearly radiothon have provided the unit with “leading edge, life-saving technology that helps our medical teams care for our tiniest patients and save babies lives,” according to the release.

– with files from 980 CJME’s Jacob Bamhour