Greenville, N.C. – ECU Health is proud to announce $4.1 million in grants awarded by The Duke Endowment for projects that will help advance the health system’s mission to improve the health and well-being of eastern North Carolina. The grants include: $1,497,500 to participate as a pilot site for the Maternal and Infant Initiative, $600,000 to expand and integrate the Healthier Lives at School and Beyond program into ECU Health’s electronic health record and $1,295,065 to participate as a site for the Bridge to Health Initiative. An additional $710,000 was awarded to ECU Health’s Primary Care Learning Center.
“The Duke Endowment’s support allows ECU Health to launch and bolster existing programs that will make a meaningful difference in the lives of people across eastern North Carolina,” said Dr. Scott Senatore, chief philanthropy officer, ECU Health Foundation.
“These grants help us expand access to care, strengthen our clinical workforce and address long standing barriers that impact health outcomes in our region. We are honored by this investment and energized by the opportunity to build healthier communities together.”
$1,497,500 for the Maternal and Infant Initiative
This funding will support ECU Health’s participation as a pilot site to replicate a successful maternal health initiative developed at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). The program will operate through ECU Health’s high risk obstetrics clinic in Greenville, which serves patients referred from the health system’s 29 county region, and will enroll pregnant patients in a comprehensive screening and case management model extending through one year postpartum. Participants will receive stage specific screenings covering social determinants of health, medical history, substance use, transportation needs, housing stability, food access and conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and preeclampsia. A team of nurses and social work case managers will review results, provide follow up and coordinate referrals to clinical and community resources. ECU Health will work closely with MUSC and peer programs to implement best practices and work to improve maternal and infant health outcomes across the region.
$600,000 to the Healthier Lives at School and Beyond program
Healthier Lives at School and Beyond is a school-based telehealth program that has historically provided interdisciplinary care – quality nutrition education and counseling, behavioral health, and acute minor medical care services – directly into rural school settings. The program was launched in 2016 by the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University (ECU) and is now a collaborative effort between ECU and ECU Health and has added pediatric asthma services. The program has steadily expanded since its 2016 inception in Duplin County and has been awarded new funding to broaden its evidence-based tele-behavioral services for students across rural eastern North Carolina.
The program has become a vital access point for pediatric mental health care in communities facing severe provider shortages, high poverty rates and significant barriers to treatment. The grant funding will support program integration into ECU Health’s electronic health record (EPIC), provide access to ECU and ECU Health physicians and clinics and streamline continuity of care for the child. The grant also supports the expansion of virtual counseling and school-based care coordination into Hertford and Bertie counties and provides continued support in Duplin, Jones, and Sampson (Clinton City Schools) counties, reaching more than 17,000 students and 2,300 staff members. Telehealth services will be available Monday-Friday during normal school hours, and providers will work with local school staff to minimize the time students are away from class. Telehealth-enabled care will also be made available to teachers and staff of each school.
$1,295,065 for Bridge to Health
This grant will establish the ECU Health Transitional Care Clinic, designed to bridge the gap between hospital discharge and long-term primary care for high-risk adults in Pitt County. Building on the existing ECU Health Immediate Care Clinic – Greenville, the new clinic will expand medical and social support services, trauma informed care and coordinated referrals to community partners with a goal of improving long term health trajectories and quality of life for patients with complex needs who face significant medical and socioeconomic challenges. These patients lack a primary care provider and face significant social and economic barriers – factors that contribute to avoidable emergency department use and hospital readmissions. Using EPIC’s Risk for Readmission score, eligible patients will receive follow up within 7–14 days of discharge, with a goal of serving 400 patients annually and reducing avoidable emergency department use and readmissions.
$710,000 to ECU Health’s Primary Care Learning Center
The ECU Health Primary Care Learning Center will be a new clinic in North Greenville. Its focus is to expand access to care for underserved populations, provide a training site for our growing class size of the BSOM, and foster an appreciation for the field of primary care in an effort to increase our pipeline of physicians choosing that specialty. The center will serve as a fully integrated primary care medical home staffed by family physicians, advanced practice providers and interprofessional teams. The clinic will offer comprehensive services including access to behavioral health, social work, nutrition, health coaching, pharmacy support, and lab services. An additional goal is to address the significant barriers of access to care that drive avoidable emergency department use in the region, where more than 50,000 ED visits each year are considered preventable. The Primary Care Learning Center will provide consistent access for underserved residents while strengthening the workforce pipeline for rural eastern North Carolina.
Medical students at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University marked a decade of raising funds, awareness and hair for pediatric patients with cancer during the Pirates Vs. Cancer spring event at the ECU Health Sciences Campus Student Center on April 10.
Pirates Vs. Cancer is a student-driven initiative dedicated to supporting children and families facing cancer. The event is organized by a board of about 10 first-year medical students who coordinated events like hair donations, professional haircuts from local barbers and hairdressers, raffles, face-painting and family-friendly activities. Students, faculty and visitors enjoyed a bounce house and bracelet-making station donated by local businesses. The American Red Cross, National Bone Marrow Registry and Riley’s Army hosted tables with prizes, games and information for attendees.
Pirates Vs. Cancer was founded by Brody students in 2017 and has raised over $176,000 in the past 10 years for patients at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. Ahead of the April 10 event, this year’s board had already raised more than $14,000 for the cause.
Sebastian Williams, president of Pirates Vs. Cancer, said the decade-long effort is on the verge of reaching a new fundraising benchmark.
“We’re really excited because we’re hoping that we hit $200,000 of money raised for Maynard Children’s Hospital from Pirates Vs. Cancer over the years,” said Williams. “We’re almost there.”
Williams helps coordinate fundraisers throughout the year and works with local partners to support the cause. He said the event also brings together students from across ECU’s health sciences programs.
“The dental, medical, nursing students all come out and just interact with each other, take a break from studying, and also have fun with the kids and doctors,” said Williams.
Alex Tiet, Pirates Vs. Cancer’s vice president, said the annual event allows students to educate people on and off campus about pediatric cancer. He said that mission is particularly important since ECU Health serves a largely rural 29-county region in eastern North Carolina.
“We are a historically underserved and underrepresented population, so it’s great to have these student life organizations start these conversations in eastern North Carolina,” Tiet said. “As one of the largest student life organizations on campus, it feels like our responsibility to advocate for people and patients who are navigating a life-changing diagnosis that comes with its own array of challenges. Lending a helping hand feels like the least we can do.”
Williams himself was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at age six.
“It took a huge toll on my family because my family had no history of huge medical complications, and all of a sudden I find out one day that I have cancer,” Williams said.
He underwent three years of chemotherapy – a period he described as physically and emotionally taxing. That’s why events like Pirates Vs. Cancer matter, he said.
“We have the people who have come out to donate hair, and the hair that’s donated will be used to make wigs for the kids who are going through chemo,” Williams said. “As someone who had acute lymphoblastic leukemia, I also had to go through that process as a kid where I lost all my hair.”
Williams said he opted for hats during his own treatment, but he knows how meaningful wigs can be for children who want to feel “more like their normal selves” during an incredibly difficult time.
“Having these wigs made for them just helps alleviate the stress that they’re already going through,” Williams said.
Tiet was among the students who volunteered to donate his hair to the cause. Before he sat down in the barber’s chair, he and his fellow donors were more excited than one might expect to undergo a fairly dramatic, albeit short-lived transformation.
“Pediatric cancer awareness has been a passion of mine since I was an undergraduate student, so taking a little off the top feels like a very minor sacrifice to support these patients and their families,” Tiet said. “Some of these treatments take weeks, months or even years and are very taxing on patients.
“I have not had a buzzcut since maybe middle school, so it’s going to be a change of pace,” Tiet continued. “Feeling the breeze going through my scalp will be nice. Hopefully my hair can bring a sense of normalcy to these patients. They can use it better than I can.”
One hundred percent of the funds raised by Pirates vs. Cancer are donated to the ECU Health Foundation to benefit programs at Maynard Children’s Hospital. If you would like to donate to Pirates Vs. Cancer, please visit give.ecuhealthfoundation.org/campaign/2026-pirates-vs-cancer/c758778.
GREENVILLE, N.C. – Radio listeners will once again help make a big change for kids during the 29th annual Music for Miracles radiothon March 26-27. The radiothon raises funds to help sick and injured children in eastern North Carolina through Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) to benefit the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center and will air on 107.9 WNCT and all Inner Banks Media (IBX Media) radio stations including Talk 96.3 and 103.7; Oldies 94.1 and 102.7; and 94.3 The Game.
The two-day radiothon raises funds to benefit the programs and services of Maynard Children’s Hospital, which serves pediatric inpatient and outpatient patients from 29 counties across eastern North Carolina. One hundred percent of the funds raised by ECU Health’s CMN program directly supports programs and services of Maynard Children’s Hospital.
“Once again, we are thrilled to have the radiothon on all our IBX Media stations to raise funds for James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital. It’s the highlight of our year to support the Children’s Hospital,” said Henry Hinton, president, Inner Banks Media. “I’ve personally had a grandson who needed care there, and it is a true blessing for all of eastern North Carolina to have it here. We’re looking forward to two exciting days and hope everyone will participate as they are able.”
In 1998, the first radiothon raised $5,400. Last year, the radiothon raised more than $113,000. Thanks to the loyal listeners of 107.9 and the dedicated radio staff and personalities, the event has raised more than $4 million to date. At Maynard Children’s Hospital, these funds have been used to purchase life-saving medical equipment and diversionary items for kids, provide team member and patient education and to help build new facilities.
“The radiothon continues to be one of our most impactful annual traditions, and we are deeply grateful for the steadfast dedication of the 107.9 WNCT team and everyone at Inner Banks Media,” said Elise Ironmonger, director of programs for the ECU Health Foundation. “Their commitment to broadcasting live for 12 hours across two consecutive days, supported by countless hours of planning and behind-the-scenes coordination is truly remarkable. This event is made possible through the partnership of hospital leaders, team members and, above all, the courageous miracle children and families who generously share their stories. We invite everyone to tune in and be inspired by the hope and healing this event helps make possible.”
The entire 24 hours of the radiothon will be broadcast live on 107.9 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. both Thursday and Friday, with the other stations broadcasting intermittently throughout the two days. To give, please call 1-800-673-5437 (1-800-673-KIDS) or visit www.GiveToCMN.com.
Pirates vs. Cancer, a student‑driven initiative dedicated to supporting children and families facing cancer, is set to host its annual spring fundraising event on April 10 at the ECU Health Sciences Campus. Led by medical, dental and allied health students, Pirates vs. Cancer brings together the entire health sciences community for a day of giving, celebration and solidarity with pediatric patients.
The spring event will feature hair donations, professional haircuts provided by a local barber, raffles, and a variety of family‑friendly activities. Students have also secured support from local businesses, including the donation of a bounce house and supplies for bracelet‑making and face painting so pediatric patients can join in the fun. The American Red Cross, National Bone Marrow Registry and Rylee’s Army will be in attendance, too.
“We really want this to be a fun, uplifting day where students, families and the community can come together for a meaningful cause,” said Sebastian Williams, president of the Pirates vs. Cancer leadership team and a first-year medical student (M1). “Our goal is to raise funds, raise awareness and show our pediatric patients that they have an entire Pirate Nation behind them.”
For Williams, fundraising for pediatric cancer patients is a full circle moment. At age six, he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and spent three years undergoing chemotherapy. Now, more than a decade later, he is studying to be an oncologist and helping kids whose circumstances are all too familiar.
“I understand what these kids are going through,” Williams said. “It’s a huge, life-changing event. You have to go through chemo treatment for months, for years, and you can’t do the same things that other kids do. I had to quit all my sports. I had to quit other activities because my body just couldn’t handle it, my immune system was basically not functional.
“Doing an event like Pirates vs. Cancer is a rewarding experience for me. I can give these kids what I wish I had. This is the whole reason I want to become a physician and continue this endeavor to help children with cancer.”
One hundred percent of the funds raised by Pirates vs. Cancer is donated to ECU Health Foundation to benefit programs at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. Some of those programs have included camps and other programs specifically designed to provide pediatric patients with childhood experiences.
Among the most tangible examples of the group’s efforts is on the Maynard Children’s Hospital’s second floor. In 2024, Pirates vs. Cancer funds were designated to renovate a playroom and fill it with toys, games, crafts and technology that help patients take their mind off procedures and just be kids.
“We were able to almost double the size of this playroom for these kids and add so many more interactive features,” said Elise Ironmonger, director of programs at the ECU Health Foundation. “It’s really a place of respite for them when they are facing treatment for months, weeks at a time.”
Pirates Vs. Cancer was founded by Brody School of Medicine students in 2017 and has raised over $176,000 in the past 10 years. Leadership and participants are composed of students, faculty and staff from the School of Medicine, School of Dental Medicine, College of Nursing, College of Allied Health Sciences and the Undergraduate campus. Together, they raise funds that directly impact their community.
“It’s wonderful to see where the money physically impacts the kids’ experience at the hospital,” Williams said.
Pirates vs. Cancer continues to grow as a signature philanthropic effort on the Health Sciences Campus, uniting future health professionals around a shared commitment to compassion, service and advocacy for children battling cancer.
Local businesses have been invited to sponsor the event, with a March 20 deadline for inclusion on event T‑shirts and promotional materials. While sponsorships for the spring event are closing soon, community members are welcome to donate at any time, and businesses will have additional opportunities to support the larger Pirates vs. Cancer fall event later this year.
To donate, please visit: https://give.ecuhealthfoundation.org/campaign/2026-pirates-vs-cancer/c758778
A transformational $10 million gift from David and Laura Brody of Raleigh, and Hyman and Stacy Brody of Greenville, will support and expand the Brody Scholars Program, East Carolina University and ECU Health Foundation announced today.
The university will honor the family and their steadfast ties to the institution and region with the naming of the new 195,000‑square‑foot Brody Center for Medical Education when it opens for the 2027-28 academic year. Approved by the ECU Board of Trustees on Feb. 13, the naming recognizes a decades‑long philanthropic relationship between the family and the university to strengthen ECU’s mission.
The gift directly strengthens the Brody Scholars Program and the Brody School of Medicine’s mission to train physicians to serve North Carolina, especially in rural and underserved communities.
“The Brody family has once again demonstrated its extraordinary commitment to the mission and success of East Carolina University,” Chancellor Philip Rogers said. “For nearly 50 years, our university has answered the call to train high quality physicians who will meet the health care needs of our rural communities. The state of North Carolina has put its trust in us to continue that success. I am profoundly appreciative of the Brody family’s unwavering generosity and steadfast commitment to enhancing the health and well-being of our region.”
“This gift builds upon the significant funding put forward by the North Carolina General Assembly and the UNC System Board of Governors to advance the future of health care in our state,” cousins Hyman Brody and David Brody said, before thanking those elected and appointed leaders as well as Rogers, deans of the school Drs. Michael Waldrum and Jason Higginson, and others whose work has made the new building a reality.
Next year, the medical school marks 50 years since the first four-year medical school class arrived on campus. In 1999, the ECU Board of Trustees named the school, the Brody School of Medicine — the first time at the university a school had been named for a donor — in recognition of the family’s decades of significant contribution.
“Our family’s connection to East Carolina University dates to 1947 when (former Chancellor) Dr. Leo Jenkins’ friendship with my father, Morris, and my uncles, Sammy and Leo, planted seeds that grew into a shared belief in this university’s mission,” Hyman Brody said. “That relationship led to our family’s initial support of the School of Medicine — a commitment rooted not only in philanthropy but stewardship and partnership.”
Along with improving health outcomes in the region, the Brody family has funded arguably the premier medical school scholarship in North Carolina — the Brody Scholars program. It provides full tuition, fees and enrichment opportunities for four years of medical education. The Brody family’s latest contribution will expand the Brody Scholars Program. Today, there are 12 Brody Scholars at the Brody School of Medicine and 147 alumni of the Brody Scholars Program.
“This contribution to the Center for Medical Education is especially meaningful to Laura and me because it expands the Brody Scholars Program so more students can graduate medical school with little or no debt and focus on what matters most: caring for patients,” said David Brody. “Investing in those students is, to us, exactly what doing good looks like.”
The family’s gift will be added to an existing endowment dedicated solely to supporting the Brody Scholars Program, according to Dr. Scott Senatore, chief philanthropy officer with the ECU Health Foundation. The investment ensures long-term sustainability for the scholarship and signals the importance of philanthropy in advancing medical education, supporting community health and inspiring future generosity. The Brody family’s cumulative giving to ECU now totals more than $35 million.
The new Brody Center for Medical Education will serve as one of ECU’s most advanced instructional facilities, enabling the medical school to expand its class size to 120 students while offering state-of-the-art simulation spaces, learning studios, a new anatomy lab, student collaboration spaces and outdoor gathering areas. Construction of the new $265 million facility is funded by the state of North Carolina.
“The Brody School of Medicine was founded to meet the health care needs of our state, and this gift advances that mission in profound ways,” said Waldrum, who along with his academic role, is also CEO of ECU Health. “Brody Scholars become the kind of physicians every community needs — compassionate, skilled and committed to service. This investment ensures that more of those physicians will stay in North Carolina, where their impact is immeasurable. It is deeply gratifying to know that the Brody name will accompany this new state-of-the-art facility.”
The Brody School of Medicine is nationally recognized for graduating physicians who choose primary care specialties and practice in rural communities historically underserved by medicine. The new naming gift reinforces ECU as a leader in this mission and encourages additional philanthropic investment in the university’s medical education and health sciences enterprise.
Greenville, N.C. — ECU Health, the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center and EastCare today announced the arrival of North Carolina’s first medical transport helicopter dedicated solely to pediatric patients. This milestone investment ensures that children across eastern North Carolina—especially those in rural and underserved communities—have rapid, safe access to the highly specialized, critical care they need.
Designed as a fully equipped mobile intensive care unit (ICU), the new aircraft brings advanced subspecialty expertise directly to the region’s sickest and most vulnerable children. Its capabilities allow care to begin the moment transport starts, reducing critical time to treatment for patients who often live far from specialty services.
“One third of the children we transport are premature or neonatal infants, many of whom need highly-specialized care,” said Dr. Matthew Ledoux, pediatrician in chief at Maynard Children’s Hospital and chair of pediatrics at the Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University.
“This new helicopter gives us the ability to reach these babies faster, stabilize them sooner and deliver ICU level care from the very first moments of transport. It is truly a game changer for pediatric and neonatal outcomes in eastern North Carolina.”
The helicopter carries specialized neonatal and pediatric equipment—including ventilators designed for the smallest patients—and features a spacious, child friendly interior. The environment allows clinical teams to deliver both intensive medical treatment and developmentally supportive care in a space where children can feel safe and comforted. Much of the equipment in the aircraft was funded by generous donors through the ECU Health Foundation.
Used exclusively for hospital to hospital transfers, the helicopter expands regional capacity and strengthens resource allocation across ECU Health’s service area. The aircraft also enables providers to fly out to support deliveries and neonatal resuscitations, bringing critical expertise directly to local hospitals when seconds matter.
“This investment reflects ECU Health’s commitment to access and exceptional care for every child in our region,” said Brian Floyd, chief operating officer, ECU Health. “Families should not have to travel long distances or face barriers to receive specialized pediatric services just because they live in a rural community. By placing this resource in eastern North Carolina, we’re bringing life-saving care closer to home and advancing our mission to improve the health and well-being of those we serve.”
This new helicopter builds on a decade long legacy of life-saving care provided by EastCare and Maynard Children’s Hospital as this year marks the 10-year anniversary of ECU Health’s children’s transport team. By significantly reducing transport times and increasing access to advanced care, the new helicopter is poised to improve outcomes for thousands of children across eastern North Carolina.
To learn more about the new helicopter and access images and video, please visit: go.ecuhealth.org/helicopter
The James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center was filled with smiles and excitement as CAPTRUST employees arrived with bright green boxes packed with fun on Oct. 2. These Cheeriodicals care packages were filled with age-appropriate toys, crafts and comfort items, and were hand-delivered to pediatric patients and their families to brighten their hospital stay.
The donation is the result of a collaboration between CAPTRUST, an independent retirement plan and investment advisory firm, and Cheeriodicals, a team-building company that partners with corporations to create meaningful community impact. Each box is thoughtfully tailored to specific age groups, including infants and their mothers, children ages 3 and up, and tweens and teens.
The partnership was sparked by a shared Pirate connection: both Fielding Miller, CEO of CAPTRUST, and Gary Parisher, President and CEO of Cheeriodicals, are proud East Carolina University alumni.
“It was Gary’s idea to reach out,” Miller said. “He’s an East Carolina grad, and so we knew of each other. Gary shared this idea of how they help children in hospitals, and I said, ‘I want to know more.’ He sent me the box, I opened it, and said, ‘Oh yeah, we’re in. We’re doing this.’”
For Parisher, the mission hits home.
“I’m actually from Pitt County and went to East Carolina,” he said. “We’ve delivered to over 150 children’s hospitals across the country, and I wanted Maynard Children’s Hospital to be one of them.”
Cheeriodicals organizes corporate team-building events where employees pack care boxes for children’s hospitals, veterans’ facilities, and Ronald McDonald Houses.
“It’s really about bringing corporations together where teams can do work that makes a difference,” said Parisher.
Miller emphasized the emotional impact of the initiative.
“I just hope these kids feel that pure joy of being a child again – bright eyes, excitement and a moment away from the hospital routine,” he said. “And for the parents, who are there every day supporting their children, if we can make their day just a little bit better, it’s worth it.”
That joy was evident as Miller and Parisher hand-delivered boxes to patients, including Aleksandra. Her face lit up as she opened her box, revealing coloring books, fidget toys, crafting materials, and most special of all, a stuffed green frog.
Frogs, it turns out, hold a special meaning for Aleksandra and her mom, Lydia.
“She’s always loved frogs,” Lydia shared. “Whenever she’s in the hospital, usually for a long period of time, her frog friends show up.”
Aleksandra explained that her mom often leaves little frog toys for her to discover, on her water bottle, tucked into her bag, or hidden around her room.
“Now they have a big friend,” Aleksandra said with a smile, holding up her new plush frog.
Ali Grimes, manager of Children’s Services at Maynard Children’s Hospital, explained that when the pediatric patients receive donations like this, it brings more joy than most people realize.
“When we’re able to bring in toys and activities for our patients, we’re able to see kids be kids and help normalize the hospital experience,” Grimes said.
The impact of the delivery extended far beyond the contents of each box. For the CAPTRUST and Cheeriodicals teams, it was an affirmation of the difference collaboration and giving back can make.
“The delivery was more than just a gift,” said Scott Senatore, chief philanthropy officer, ECU Health Foundation. “It was a moment of true joy for children and families navigating some of the hardest moments of their lives, and for two ECU alumni, it was a chance to give back to the community that helped shape them. ECU Health is so grateful to CAPTRUST and Cheeriodicals for their compassion and care for the patients and families we serve.”
East Carolina University (ECU) Baseball player Parker Byrd has stepped up to the plate to lead Homers That Help, a charity initiative supporting families at the James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. Taking over from former player Carter Cunningham, Byrd has embraced the opportunity to expand the program’s impact and continue its mission of giving back.
The idea for Homers That Help was born after Cunningham participated in a career shadowing experience at ECU Health Medical Center in November 2023. Walking through Maynard Children’s Hospital, he felt a deep calling to do something meaningful for the young patients and their families.
He started small, asking his ECU Baseball teammates for donations to bring holiday cheer to the hospital. The players raised $500, which they used to buy gifts and spend time playing with the children. The visit left a lasting impression on both the players and the families.
After reflecting over winter break, Cunningham launched Homers That Help, an initiative where sponsors pledged donations for each ECU home baseball game and contributed additional funds for every home run hit. The program exceeded expectations, raising $50,000 in its first season. In addition to the donations, the baseball team would make regular visits to pediatric patients.
“I felt that it was so important to serve others, and even if you can’t give money, time is so important,” Cunningham said. “Whether that’s your time, your talent or your treasure, really being generous goes a long way.”
As Cunningham graduated and was drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays, he wanted the initiative to continue. Cunningham felt Byrd was the perfect fit to lead the program forward after seeing Byrd connect with patients during hospital visits.
“It was like a God-given talent and ability when he was in a patient’s room,” Cunningham said. “He just knew how to connect with the kids a lot better than I ever could – and anyone for that matter.”
According to Tara Tadlock, a child life specialist at Maynard Children’s Hospital, these visits bring much-needed joy.
“The kids get so excited to see the players,” Tadlock said. “It lifts their spirits more than people realize. Whether playing games, coloring or simply talking baseball, the experience means the world to them.”
Byrd said having been a patient in the hospital for a long time previously helped him understand how it feels to be one of the kids.
“Carter told me about his plans early on, and I saw firsthand the impact it was having,” Byrd said. “When he asked if I could take over, it was an honor.”
Byrd’s leadership has ensured Homers That Help continues to grow and flourish. Cunningham remains involved, offering guidance and staying connected to the program’s growth, including the sale of shirts where $10 from each purchase is donated directly to the Children’s Hospital.
“He could have just handed it off and moved on,” Byrd said. “But he still contributes, checks in and continues to bring new ideas.”
Building on Cunningham’s foundation, Byrd introduced Ks for Kids, allowing pitchers to participate by raising money with strikeouts.
“It’s awesome to get the pitchers involved,” Byrd said. “Last year, hitters had competition for the most home runs, and now pitchers have their own way to contribute and have some healthy competition.”
ECU pitcher Ethan Norby demonstrated the program’s potential with a standout performance, recording 19 strikeouts in one game, directly benefiting families in need.
“During the game, I was actually thinking it was awesome for the kids because he was racking up a lot of strikeouts and support for the families here at the hospital,” Byrd said.
Managed by ECU Health Foundation, the funds raised through Homers That Help have had a direct impact on families, covering essential costs like gas and food gift cards to ease their hospital stays. Funds also will be going to other needs of Maynard Children’s Hospital to improve care and the hospital experience for pediatric patients and their families.
“Being a college student and student athlete is very time consuming, but then they still make time out of their weeks to come and visit these kids and during every single game, raise money for Maynard Children’s Hospital,” said Elise Ironmonger, Director of Programs at the ECU Health Foundation. “This fundraiser is just amazing and shows what great humans they are and just their love of wanting to give back. ECU Health and our patients and their families are so grateful to them.”
Byrd expressed his gratitude to Cunningham, his teammates and the entire ECU community for their unwavering support. As the 2024-2025 season comes to an end, Byrd is grateful for all of the community support and excited for the future of Homers That Help.
“The community has been tremendous,” Byrd said. “Seeing everyone rally behind this cause makes it all worth it.”
To date, Homers That Help has raised over $75,000. To learn more about Homers That Help or to give, please visit give.ecuhealthfoundation.org
Greenville, NC –The 40th annual Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Celebration Broadcast, honoring the thousands of children treated at Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center this past year, raised an outstanding $1,278,873 to support pediatric care across eastern North Carolina, bringing the cumulative total raised to $35,680,524.
The telethon, which aired from May 31 to June 1, was produced by longtime CMN television partner WITN, highlighted emotional and inspiring stories of children who have overcome complex medical challenges thanks to the exceptional care received at Maynard Children’s Hospital. A special long-time donor and friend of Maynard Children’s Hospital provided a generous $100,000 match during the event, doubling gifts and doubling the impact for sick and injured children in eastern North Carolina.
“This year’s Celebration Broadcast was incredibly special, marking 40 years of support for Children’s Miracle Network and bringing together those who have made a difference,” said Elise Ironmonger, Director of Programs at the ECU Health Foundation.
“It was amazing to reflect on this journey and connect with our dedicated supporters. We also honored the generous businesses, community groups and individuals whose commitment will continue to save lives and bring hope to the children at Maynard Children’s Hospital.”
To commemorate 40 years of making miracles happen in eastern North Carolina, the event included many special acknowledgements to celebrate the milestone. Former WITN personalities throughout the years provided messages of encouragement and support while past miracle children provided updates on their journeys and how their lives were directly impacted by the generous donations from the telethon. Four loyal volunteers joined the celebration for their 40th time, attending all 40 telethons throughout the years: Fred Anderson, Debbie Austin, Vivian Bazemore and Diane Oakley. Another very special moment included an interview with Lillian Jones, who honored her late husband, Dick Jones, WITN personality and talent who hosted the very first telethon in 1986.
Funds raised during the Celebration Broadcast ensure that children from across the region have access to the highest quality care, advanced medical equipment and life-saving programs. Each dollar raised stays local to support pediatric services at Maynard Children’s Hospital.
Major sponsors once again demonstrated their generosity, with the following top contributors each giving at least $100,000:
- Speedway, part of 7-11, Inc: $209,647
- Jersey Mike’s Subs: $188,375
- Walmart and Sam’s Club: $153,672
- Music for Miracles Radiothon: $113,734
- Log A Load for Kids: $100,000
The following sponsors each made a significant impact with donations totaling over $25,000: Ace Hardware ($37,383), Panda Express ($32,035), Dance Arts Theatre ($28,876) and Extra Life ($26,345).
Coming through in a big way, the following organizations donated between $5,000-$20,000: Central Heating and Air Conditioning, Barbour Hendrick Honda of Greenville, Electric Cooperative of ENC, Dairy Queen, Ollies, Phi Mu, Pepsi/Minges Bottling Group, American Builders, Publix and Eastern Radiologists.
Finally, a big thanks to these generous donors who contributed between $1,000-$5,000: Miller & Friends Lemonade Stand, Grady White Boats, RE/MAX, Whistle Express Car Wash, Care-O-World, Baynor Inc, Ajay Ajmera, Arun Ajmera, Ricci Law Firm, Builder’s Discount Center, Harris, Creech, Ward & Blackerby PA, MSL Healthcare Partners, Stallings Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning, POPS Mart Fuels and Aldridge & Southerland.
The local CMN Hospitals fundraising program is staffed and supported by the ECU Health Foundation, the non-profit charitable corporation that serves as the custodian for all financial gifts and bequests to ECU Health. The ECU Health Foundation oversees allocation of all donated funds.
Greenville, N.C. –The Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Celebration Broadcast honors the legacy of past telethons by sharing powerful miracle stories of children treated at James and Connie Maynard Children’s Hospital at ECU Health Medical Center. These stories represent the thousands of children across eastern North Carolina who have received exceptional care over the past year.
“I am so incredibly excited to be celebrating 40 years of miracles this year,” said Elise Ironmonger, Director of Programs for the ECU Health Foundation. “To see where we started in 1986 as the ‘Children’s Hospital of Eastern North Carolina’ to where we are now — a 197-bed hospital with a Level IV NICU and Level I Trauma Center — is just extraordinary.
Thousands of miracles happen here, and there’s so much to be proud of. I invite our community to tune in and witness these incredible stories. Help us change kids’ health to change the future for the next 40 years.”
The 2025 CMN Celebration Broadcast will air on longtime partner WITN at the following times:
- Saturday, May 31, from 7–8 p.m.
- Sunday, June 1, from 6–9 a.m. and 7–11 p.m.
Throughout the broadcast, viewers will see firsthand how donations to the Children’s Miracle Network are used to fund critical care and services. These examples will highlight the life-changing impact of every philanthropic gift.
This year’s miracle children and stories will include:
- Alejandro Mendoza-Hernandez, Age 14 – Beaufort County
- Owen Tripp, Age 1 – Pitt County
- Graylon Goddard, Age 8 – Pitt County
- AiTayvion Nelson, Age 4 – Pitt County
- Insley Santifort, Age 4 – Duplin County
- Christopher Everette, Age 2 – Hertford County
The 2025 broadcast will spotlight the exceptional care delivered each day at Maynard Children’s Hospital while celebrating the hope and healing made possible by generous community support. Thanks to donors across eastern North Carolina, thousands of children receive the specialized medical care they need each year. With continued support, the team at Maynard Children’s Hospital can ensure every child receives the best care possible — today, tomorrow and for generations to come.
The local Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals fundraising program is staffed and supported by the ECU Health Foundation, a non-profit charitable corporation that serves as the custodian for all financial gifts and bequests to ECU Health. The ECU Health Foundation oversees allocation of all donated funds. To donate, please call 1-800-673-5437 or visit givetocmn.com.