MIAMI – Hospitalized children at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, part of Miami Children’s Health System, were treated to a “Candy Lolli-Land” themed celebration in honor of Radio Lollipop’s 19th birthday on Wednesday. The night’s festivities included music, dancing, singing, food, sweet treats, of course, and much more.
“Radio Lollipop serves not only services as a fun and interactive learning activity for the patients and their families, it also plays an important role in the healing process. Thanks to the generous support of our volunteers and community, Radio Lollipop continues to serve its mission to provide care, comfort, play and entertainment to the children and their families,” said Lynn Heyman, Director of Volunteer Resources at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital.
The event was made possible thanks to donations from the community including Photo Booth Boutique, Shake Shack, Wendy’s and more. The Live Like Bella Foundation made a special visit to Radio Lollipop and presented the program with a generous donation.
The young patients danced the night away to music provided by celebrity performers DJ Laz from 97.3, Santaye, Raul el Leon, Amaury Gutierrez, Ivan Zavala and DD Luxz. Families had the opportunity to showcase their musical talents thanks Evolusion Karaoke. THe Miami Heat Dancers and Bernie, the Miami Heat mascot, also made special guest appearances.
Radio Lollipop broadcasts live from the hospital’s playroom studio every Terrific Tuesday, Wacky Wednesday and Thrilling Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. A group of talented and passionate volunteers provide entertainment, music, crafts and activities to hospitalized children on a weekly basis. During program hours, patients can visit the studio, help Radio Lollipop presenters DJ the show, work on creative art activities, request their favorite songs and even win some prizes. Nicklaus Children’s was the first hospital to establish a Radio Lollipop program in the U.S. In its 19 years it has served more than half a million patients, siblings and families combined. To learn more about Radio Lollipop at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital and to become a volunteer, visit www.nicklauschildrens.org/radiolollipop.
About Radio Lollipop
Founded in England in 1979, today Radio Lollipop boasts a worldwide audience. This international, non-profit organization’s mission is to provide care, comfort, play and entertainment for children in the hospital. Radio Lollipop USA, whose headquarters are located at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, is the first interactive-in-house radio station in the United States. This program is staffed by volunteers and the day-to-day running operation of Radio Lollipop depends completely on charitable donations and on fundraising activities.
About Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Where Children Matter Most (2024)
Founded in 1950 by Variety Clubs International, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is South
Florida’s only licensed specialty hospital exclusively for children, with approximately
850 attending physicians, including more than 500 pediatric subspecialists. The 307-bed
hospital is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine with many specialty programs
routinely ranked among the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report since 2008. The
hospital is also home to the largest pediatric teaching program in the southeastern
United States and since 2003 has been designated an American Nurses Credentialing
Center (ANCC) Magnet facility, the nursing profession’s most prestigious institutional
honor. For more information, please visit www.nicklauschildrens.org.