The Radio Lollipop Gold Coast Studio came alive with the magical and musical talents of Bert and his friend Don. Bert, our very own Radio Lollipop magician and ward visiting volunteer, dazzled the crowd with a splendid display of tricks. He turned green scarves pink, made balls completely disappear then re-appear from the most unexpected of places, he ripped up a whole newspaper but then it was suddenly back together before our eyes. He did a few amazing card tricks with the biggest cards we’d ever seen but I think everyone’s favourite was the ‘daily paper’. Everyone thought newspaper but we were surprised when he pulled out a roll of toilet paper.

Don entertained us on his flame decorated guitar with some classic Aussie songs as well as some well known tunes! The crowd was encouraged to join in and everyone had the best time.

Thank you Bert and Don for entertaining us and putting many smiles on the faces of the children at Radio Lollipop on the Gold Coast.

We look forward to your return very soon.

At a recent fundraiser our clients and friends of Vision Gym dusted off their leg warmers and dug deep in their drawers to find their long lost leotards in preparation for an 80s aerobics session.

The class was taken by the fabulous Anthony Lintern (who bravely donned some very short shorts!) As 7:30pm approached the night sky was lit up by an array of fluro heading towards the gym in search of a good time. The class grape vined, 2 stepped, leg curled (and sang) to all the old favourites including: Wham “I’m your man!”, Lionel Ritchie “Dancing on the ceiling” and Tiffany “I think we’re alone now…”

Everyone also learnt a bit more about Radio Lollipop and the amazing work we do.

A huge thank you to Vision Gym at Runaway Bay for holding this brilliant event and for offering a PT session and sports massage to the best dressed.

A big thank you also to Teresa Theaker from Rockwear who alsodonated some fabulous exclusive Rockwear goodies.

And finally a massive thank you needs to go out to everybody who took part and helped raise a fantastic $460!!

There have been whispers of another event to come….watch this space!

Radio Lollipop Bristol spent the day helping out at a Family Fun Day organised by the A&E Department of Bristol Children’s Hospital to raise funds to purchase new equipment for the department.
We kept the children entertained with our badge making and arts and crafts skills and raised awareness of Radio Lollipop and our role within the hospital.
Thanks to all who came along to help out!!

The school year is almost upon us again. But for some families with sick children, school is not on the agenda. The hospital room becomes their classroom. To help parents and kids through this time one local hospital has a radio station. From the KUHF NewsLab Edel Howlin went to see just how much difference a little music can make.

Listen to this article in your media player by clicking here

“What is up? What is up? What is up y’all?”

It’s just another normal Tuesday night at Radio Lollipop on the 16th floor of Texas Children’s Hospital. Jason Williams or Jam Master Jay takes to the mike to entertain the kids in their rooms, but only after he’s rounded up the other volunteers to scatter them to the floor with their baskets overflowing with crafts and glitter.

“Head em up and move em out! Yeehaw!!”

The craft depends on the theme of the night. Retired computer specialist Myrna Fisch aka Queen Lollie gets to decide this theme. She’s been running the station for the last five years.

“This week is farms. We have a craft that goes with that and tonight we’re doing little pigs with curly little tails. Our song of the day is ‘Old McDonald Had a Farm.’”

Fisch’s favorite thing about Radio Lollipop is that it allows kids to just be kids — not to be known as their disease, or as the sick kid. Five-year-old Matthew has come several floors up to join the Radio Lollipop crew. Last year, he learned he had a soft solid tumor of the abdomen, spine and lungs. When he first came to TCH, having a chance to sing on air was the only thing that would get him out of his room. And as he joins the other kids in the station that evening with a smile on his face. It’s obvious his spirits are automatically lifted.

“Which kind of pool can you not swim in?”

“I don’t know which kind of pool can you not swim in.”

“A car pool!!”

“Now kick, now kick……..”

To round off a typical Tuesday night at the station, volunteers, patients and parents dance to the Cupid Shuffle in the hallway in front of the radio station. Everyone is covered in glitter and you can spot the volunteers because of the silly hats they wear.

One volunteer is Debbie-Prout-Smith or Dingy Debbie. She is preparing the crafts for Wednesday and Thursday nights shows which air right after dinner. And even though it’s not always easy, she can’t imagine not having Radio Lollipop in her life.

“I’ve seen some kids grow up here and move on, I’ve also seen some kids pass away but the joy that we are able to bring to them every night that we’re here is worth it.”

Debbie points out a patient she’s known for many years.

Brandi-Dawn Barger came to TCH when she was 18 because of a deteriorating colon.

Ulcerative Colitis claimed her brother’s life and kept her hospitalized for three and half years. She went through dozens of surgeries, fell into a coma and coded nearly ten times.

Now at age 21, she just finished her 67th and hopefully final surgery. Throughout her time in the hospital, Radio Lollipop has been her favorite escape.

“But I know these kids have no idea what’s going on and they’re terrified of this place. But coming up here, they feel like they can enjoy themselves and play, and I think it’s wonderful.”

“We’re signin off this is Jam Master Jay saying good night; we love you guys; we are back tomorrow at the same time.”

As Jam Master Jay winds things down and the kids filter out of the studio, he hands his mike over to Brandi-Dawn, who sings a song she wrote to finish out another successful evening at Radio Lollipop.

(Thanks and acknowledgements to Edel Howlin from the KUHF Newslab)