Each year, the airwaves of 96.5 WKLH are filled with laughter, tears, and hope during the WKLH Miracle Marathon presented by Mars Family Foundation. This two-day radiothon shines a spotlight on the courageous families served by Children’s Wisconsin.
Every dollar raised during this event fuels our mission to make Wisconsin’s kids the healthiest in the nation. Listen below to meet the incredible kids and families your generosity supports.
A Day at Children's
Dr. Cara Mack, a pediatric gastroenterologist at Children's Wisconsin, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Children’s impacts our community every single day.
Abbie's Story
After a life-threatening brain infection left her with physical and cognitive delays, Abbie made a miraculous recovery thanks to the relentless, expert care at Children's Wisconsin.
Ailyn's Story
Ailyn, a teenager from Mexico City, suffered through years of chronic nausea before she found relief through the expert care of her GI team at Children's Wisconsin.
Algoma Middle School's Story
Through a partnership with the Children's Wisconsin E-Learning Program, Algoma students are leading the charge against vaping by choosing healthy futures.
Ayla's Story
Following an eye cancer diagnosis and chemotherapy at Children's, Ayla’s family and care team work together to help her heal and to manage the effects of a gene mutation.
The Berens Family's Story
Comedian Charlie Berens, his father, Dr. Richard Berens, and his sisters Ellie, Mary Kate, and Addie share why Children's Wisconsin is such a special place.
BJ's Story
Though sickle cell disease brings unpredictable challenges, BJ’s bright spirit continues to inspire his care team and his teammates on the Marquette University basketball team.
Brett's Story
Brett's life changed in an instant when a life-altering accident left him with devastating injuries. At Children's, he found support that helped his entire family heal.
Charlie's Story
After a severe dog-bite injury at just 18 months old, Charlie received life-changing reconstructive surgery and unwavering support from her care team at Children's Wisconsin.
Daisy, Esme & Evie's Story
Following a surprising triplet pregnancy, Daisy, Esme and Evie's parents turned to the Level IV NICU at Children's Wisconsin to provide their girls with the care they needed to thrive.
Dawson's Story
Dawson, once a 5-year-old fighting leukemia, is now a high school senior and aspiring meteorologist who shares his story to inspire other families facing childhood cancer.
The DeGroot Family's Story
For this special family, Children's Wisconsin has been a constant presence as they grew their family through birth, foster care and adoption.
Ella's Story
Despite a connective tissue disorder, Ella conquered a series of sports injuries with the help of the REDs Clinic at Children's and is pursuing her dream to support future athletes.
Etta's Story
From overcoming congenital heart defects to navigating mental health challenges and orthopedic injuries, Miss Teen Milwaukee Etta is now giving back to Children's Wisconsin.
Giving Back to Help Kids
Sean Mars, founder of the Mars Family Foundation, has a passion for helping kids and shares how you can make a difference for the amazing families served by Children's.
Jack's Story
After 3 open-heart surgeries and a stroke, Jack used innovative physical therapy to defy the odds. Today, he’s a 7th grade Honor Roll student and an All-Star baseball player.
Jeff, Maggie & Paul's Story
Part of what makes Children's so special is incredible volunteers, like Jeff, Maggie and Paul, who bring comfort and smiles to every family who walks through our doors.
Jessica & Hattie's Story
After the sudden loss of her husband, Jessica and her daughter Hattie found a lifeline in Children's Grief Haven, which provides vital support and healing for families.
Josiah's Story
Following a traumatic birth, Josiah was only expected to live hours, but thanks to the life-saving expertise of Children's Wisconsin, this miracle baby beat the odds.
Kenna & Beckett's Story
These incredible siblings have faced medical challenges from spinal infections to unexpected limb differences, but thanks to Children's, their futures are bright.
Leighton's Story
Leighton, born at 24 weeks, beat critical lung and eye issues thanks to the specialized care of the Children’s Wisconsin Forward Team and is now a healthy, happy toddler!
Levi, Oliver & Parker's Story
Born prematurely at 30 weeks, these resilient triplets found the specialized care they needed to thrive within the Level 4 NICU at Children's Wisconsin.
Lexi's Story
When a rare heart condition threatened Lexi’s future, a life-saving transplant at the Herma Heart Institute at Children’s Wisconsin granted her a second chance.
Luke's Story
From a 9-year-old undergoing open-heart surgery, to a pre-med student aspiring to become a surgeon, Luke is living his dreams thanks to Children's Wisconsin.
Maisy & Piper's Story
Having overcome a life-threatening diagnosis in utero and a 179-day NICU stay, twins Maisy and Piper are now thriving thanks to the specialized care of Children’s Wisconsin.
Makayla's Story
After struggling for years with fragmented care across multiple hospital systems and no clear answers, Makayla and her family found a medical home at Children’s Wisconsin.
Maverick's Story
After a sudden illness, Maverick spent 30 days at Children’s recovering, keeping up with his 4K studies, and finding joy in visits from therapy dogs and Child Life.
Nursing: The Heart of Care
Nancy Korom, Chief Nursing Officer, shares how the nursing professionals at Children's Wisconsin blend clinical expertise with deep compassion to care for the entire family.
Oliver's Story
When an unexpected illness left Oliver temporarily unable to move or speak, he spent 3 months fighting for his future with his Children's care team by his side.
Once Patients, Now Nurses
No one understands a diagnosis like those who’ve lived it. Meet three MACC Fund nurses using their history at Children’s Wisconsin to transform how they care for kids today.
One Team at Children's
President and CEO Gil Peri discusses how community support fuels our mission to champion the physical, dental, social and mental well-being of every child.
Our Mental Health Mission
Leading the way in mental health: Amy Herbst, VP of Mental & Behavioral Health, explains how Children's Wisconsin is expanding care for kids and families across our state.
Preston's Story
When a medical crisis led to a rare and life-threatening autoimmune brain disease, Preston underwent intensive treatment to reclaim his health and begin the long journey home.
Project ADAM
Since the loss of 17-year-old Adam to sudden cardiac arrest, Project ADAM has saved over 300 lives by providing life-saving AEDs and emergency training across the country.
Renee & Ali's Story
Former patient Ali came full circle when she returned to Children’s as an ER nurse and found herself caring for the son of Renee, the very nurse who had treated her a decade earlier.
Sonny's Story
Born at 24 weeks, weighing 1 lb. 9 oz., Sonny spent 4 months in the Children’s NICU. Despite a relentless series of setbacks, this tiny fighter is growing stronger every day.
Sophie's Story
From a rare cataract surgery at 1-year-old to nearly perfect vision today, Sophie is proof that your donations perform miracles and keep the future in focus for kids!
Sutton's Story
Sutton endured 300+ blood draws and 5 hospitalizations during his journey with Crohn's disease, but with expert care from Children's Gastroenterology, he is now thriving.
Tidus's Story
After years of uncontrollable seizures, Tidus found life-changing care at the Epilepsy Center at Children's Wisconsin, where neurosurgery finally gave him a seizure-free childhood.
Trinika's Story
After losing her grandson to a firearm injury, Trinika partnered with the Safe at Home program at Children’s Wisconsin to provide life-saving resources that keep kids safe.
The Vandermause's Story
Children's is committed to bringing Care Closer to Home — for the Vandermause family that means access to world-class care right in the backyard.
Waylon's Story
Waylon's family was shocked when he was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive brain tumor. Today, brave Waylon is fighting back with his dog, Maple, by his side.
The Williams Family's Story
A child’s health is shaped by their whole world — not just a doctor’s visit. That’s why Children’s Wisconsin supports families like the Williams where they live, learn and play.
Wynn's Story
Wynn faces regular MRIs to monitor a tumor-causing genetic disorder, but thanks to Child Life at Children’s Wisconsin, she has replaced her fear with confident coping strategies.