By Gigi Simko
(January 19, 2023)—Since 1989, Haddam-Killingworth High School has hosted an annual holiday telethon to raise funds for and bring awareness to a nonprofit cause. This year’s telethon was held on January 3, 2023, and benefited Rachel, the 10-year-old daughter of HKHS music teacher Marcy Webster. Rachel has Ewing’s Sarcoma, a rare bone and soft tissue cancer that occurs primarily in children and young adults. It often begins in the legs, pelvic bones and arms. Common symptoms include bone pain, localized swelling and tenderness and, in rare cases, bone fractures. Treatment includes chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Through the generosity of the community, a grand total of $28,778.12 was raised and will go toward Rachel’s uncovered medical bills, handicap-accessible home renovations, prosthetic devices, travel and living expenses associated with hospital stays and other necessities.
The telethon is made possible by the efforts of the Haddam-Killingworth Television communications program. This program offers high school students the opportunity to explore a career in broadcasting, digital news and journalism, film making and civics. The HKTV Studio has been recognized as one of the best high school digital communication programs in the country, with many HKTV graduates working professionally in the media communications industry.
Past telethon recipients include the Connecticut Cancer Foundation, Connecticut Sports Foundation, JDRF Type 1 Diabetes Advocacy, Habitat for Humanity, Connecticut National Guard Family Program, Ronald McDonald House, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Warm the Children, Doctors Without Borders, Middletown Soup Kitchens, Toys for Tots and many more.
For more information on the HKHS Holiday Telethon, visit http://holidayshow.rsd17.org
Photo courtesy of HKTV RSD #17
