The 12th annual 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon, in support of the Moose Jaw Health Foundation, has been underway since 6am Thursday morning.

The total at 10am as the 12th annual 800 CHAB Family First Radiothon climbs to their goal of $125,000 by 6pm on Friday.

The goal of the during the 36 hour live broadcast radiothon will be trying to raise $125,000 for new equipment and access to more than one piece of the same equipment. This would mean physicians, surgeons and nurses can be more efficient could potentially save more lives as a result.

Judy Wicharuk is the Surgical Integration Leader and said the improved equipment makes for faster turnarounds for patients under going surgeries or treatments. 

"Back in the day hip surgeries would be in for 2-3 months, and hernia surgeries would be a week to two weeks stay at the hospital and now hernia surgeries are day surgeries and hips can go home in 3-5 days".

Wicharuk also mentioned that everyone works as a team at the hospital from the doctors and nurses, down to the patients. "If staff are happy and if patients are happy then everyone is looked after really good".

John Bell recently made a trip to the hospital due to some health issues and detailed that he was more than happy with his experience.

"They explain things really well to you and you have that piece of mind and its just a really supportive team here at the hospital".

A few highlights that took place in the first 12 hours of the radiothon was a $1,260 from RBC in Moose Jaw, and a $10,000 donation from the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 59. 

One donation made, that may spark a ripple effect, came from the Moose Jaw Firefighters Charity Fund who handed over a cheque of $500, and in the process is challenging the Moose Jaw Police Service and the Moose Jaw and District Paramedics to do the same. 

Stop in and see the crew at the hospital or give them a call at 691-GIVE (4483)