Nate Starycki (12) is one the "Miracle Children" for the 2nd annual Jim Pattison Children's Hospital Found Radiothon. (Josh Ryan/battlefordsNOW)

By Josh Ryan

Miracle Children

12 year-old among “Miracle Children” for JPCH Radiothon

Sep 4, 2020 | 4:20 PM

A local 12 year-old and his family are among a select few helping the Jim Pattison Children’s hospital Foundation in its biggest fundraiser of the year.

The 2nd Annual JPCH Radiothon will take place Nov. 4 to 5, and 12 year-old Nate Starycki, whose family lives in Maymont, is one of the “Miracle Children” this year. JPCHF VP of Communications Lynn Redl-Huntington said it’s important to have kids who’ve spent time in hospital supporting kids who are sick and injured and need specialized care close to home, more than half of which that are outside of Saskatoon.

“A child like Nate is such a really good example of how the facility helps kids across the province,” she said. “Because these kids come from all of our backyards and this hospital supports kids regardless of postal code.”

Because of COVID-19 precautions, life in the hospital for kids has become more difficult. Redl-Huntington said because of those hardships, the support more important than ever.

“Siblings aren’t allowed to visit, children are limited to just two visitors (which have to be the same two throughout their stay), family gatherings have been reduced, kids need to wear masks when they’re outside,” she said. “This is a really hard time for kids living in hospital and to be able to support them and make it feel more like home is more important than ever.”

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(Submitted Photo/Jennifer Starycki)

Jennifer Starycki, Nate’s mother, said they are excited to work with the foundation again after a brief interview at the Radiothon last year. Born with gastroschisis, which caused intestinal failure , he still requires care that the hospital has the staff for, but not the equipment.

“For a 10 minute procedure that he needs, we still need to have to go out of province, because they don’t have the equipment [in Saskatoon] yet,” she said. “It does get trying when you have to go to Calgary.”

A fundraising page is set, with options for purchasing donation apparel, with a goal of ultimately raising $10,000. Starycki said they are also looking for sponsors to become ‘Hometown Heroes’ which involves a $2,500 donation. Despite being a big ask during tough economic times, there are already people reaching out.

“I think we may have found one that isn’t even from North Battleford and has never met [Nate],” she said. “Hopefully people are still willing to [donate] to [the Radiothon].”

(Submitted Photo/Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital Foundation)

More information on the JPCH Radiothon is available on their website.

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josh,ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports