WITN is gearing up for the 2008 Children’s Miracle Network Broadcast to raise money for University Health Systems Children’s Hospital. Children’s Miracle Network has the unique distinction that all money raised stays in the local community. 

This year’s miracle stories feature children like Juliann Stalls of Williamston, who was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia, and Emma Grace Shifflett from Grimesland, who has Spinal Muscle Atrophy. Other miracle stories are focused around Ethan Robinson of Richlands, a child with traumatic injuries from an auto accident, and Kateryah Hamilton, who went through multiple surgeries during her first 10 months of life. Aaron Thomas is another miracle child. He had a malignant tumor removed from his lung at Children’s Hospital.

The broadcast will take place at the Brody Medical Sciences Building auditorium in Greenville . The tradition of having Miss North Carolina as a part of the broadcast will continue as Miss North Carolina 2008, Jessica Jacobs of Fayetteville , will help host the event along with WITN anchors and reporters. You’ll see Dave Jordan, Christine Kennedy, Marvin Daugherty, Billy Weaver, Heather King, Jim Howard, Jamie Arnold, Brian Meador, Cassandra Bell, Chelsea Donovan, Tom Skinner, Lynnette Taylor, Audrey Washington, Christina Vitale, Trent Davis and Ken Heineck throughout the weekend. 

WITN and Pitt County Memorial Hospital have been a part of Children’s Miracle Network since 1986. Beaufort County resident Blair Boyd, who was born prematurely, was the telethon’s first miracle child. On this first broadcast, hosted by David Crabtree, Susan Roesgen and Dick Jones, Eastern Carolina gave $67,000. To date, CMN donations for our Children’s Hospital have topped 13.5 million dollars! 

WITN partners with a great staff from the Pitt Memorial Hospital Foundation who work with volunteers, hospital personnel and sponsors to raise money for Children’s Miracle Network. Hard-working volunteers take their time to be a part of this event and make a point to come back every year.  Sponsors such as Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, Greenville Service League, Food Lion, 107.9 WNCT-FM and Log-a-Load for Kids show incredible support each year along with the fantastic commitment from listeners and viewers.  

Eastern Carolina ’s CMN campaign continues to be among the most successful in the nation with donations being in the top four from the 170 markets throughout the country. The people of Eastern Carolina have embraced this cause for children, and I am proud to live in an area where the welfare of others is such a priority. 

This year’s broadcast hits the airwaves on Saturday, May 31 at 9:00 p.m. and will conclude on Sunday evening at 6:30. We hope you join us to celebrate miracles for kids.