Support Valley Children's Hospital with the Futures Worth Fighting for Telethon

MADERA, Calif. (KFSN) -- On Thursday ABC30 will be taking part in a 15-hour telethon to support Valley Children's Hospital. The money raised will go a long way towards bringing more pediatric specialists to the Central Valley and expand services.

After spending two months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Valley Children's Hospital, Raegan is able to lift her head and coo at her parents.

Raegan's mother, Amanda Rawn, said, "They were able to keep me on hospital bedrest for about a week to get me to 26 weeks and then she came."

Born 14 weeks premature, little Raegan's parents were terrified their new baby girl would endure the pain their son did. Their first child, Maddox, was also born early at 24 weeks.

Christopher Rawn, father, said, "For us it really came down to the people here and the care."

Maddox suffered a stroke and endured nine surgeries during his stay at Valley Children's. Three times they were told he wouldn't make it but now he's a happy 3-year old.

Amanda Rawn said, "We're just very grateful to have our children. They saved both of them and we can never repay this hospital for what they've done. The doctors and nurses here are just amazing."

On Thursday, ABC30 and Valley Children's are partnering up for the "Futures Worth Fighting For" telethon to raise money for the specialty hospital. CEO Todd Suntrapak says the fundraiser is crucial towards helping Valley Children's provide the best care possible.

Suntrapak said, "Really we're focused on enhancing the network because when care is close to home, families can get there."

The money raised during this telethon will help Valley Children's Hospital bring new specialists to the Central Valley and open new facilities. The Rawn family is thankful the facility is just a 10 minute drive away.

Christopher Rawn said, "The people who have been here know how valuable it is and the people who don't hopefully will never have to know how valuable it is to have something here."

The "Futures Worth Fighting For" telethon will take place from 5-AM to 8-PM on Thursday. To donate, call 1-877-353-0000 or text "GEORGE" to 90999 to make a $10 donation.