Stories of hope and healing, and the world-class care that made them possible, took over the airwaves on Thursday, September 17, when Rhode Island Hospital and Hasbro Children’s came together for the 6th annual Day of Giving. In partnership with WJAR NBC-10 and Cumulus Media Providence, the daylong radio-telethon brought the hospitals’ lifesaving work to the community while raising $395,131 to support patient care, education, research, and more.
Throughout the day, listeners and viewers across the region tuned in to hear from grateful patients and hospital staff, who shared powerful stories of strength and overcoming the odds in the face of life-threatening illness.
The range of personal journeys spanned from Rhode Island Hospital’s first-ever triple living kidney swap and an aortic aneurysm with full dissection, to a deadly case of meningitis and a two-time stroke survivor. The diversity of the complex medical emergencies – and the positive outcomes that followed – spoke volumes about the leading edge care available right here in the Ocean State.
Among the day’s many highlights were “Live” interviews with Basma Merhi, MD, Medical Director of the Living Donor Program, and Lee Polikoff, MD, a Pediatric Intensivist who works in critical care at Hasbro Children’s. Dr. Merhi shined light on the significance of Rhode Island Hospital’s kidney-swap program, while Dr. Polikoff spoke about what it’s like to treat children when they’re at their most vulnerable. Other highlights included the presentation of a $25,000 donation from the John and Pat Tarantino Charitable Foundation to support cancer research, and a visit by 8-year-old Jasper Casey, Hasbro Children’s 2026 Champion Child.
Day of Giving would not be possible without the generosity of its sponsors, including presenting sponsors John and Pat Tarantino Charitable Foundation, Papitto Opportunity Connection, University Orthopedics, and Walmart. Thanks to the generosity of hospital leadership, Rhode Island Hospital Foundation board members, event committee members, and friends of the hospital, donations were matched dollar-for-dollar.
Proceeds from the day will support the Rhode Island Hospital Fund for Excellence, enhancing programs that directly benefit patients and their families. The community’s generosity will also help to advance the hospital’s innovative research and renowned medical education.