All Children's Hospital Foundation

Jeremy Returns Every Year to Help Raise Money Through Radiothon Annual Radiothon listeners can test their trivia skills by answering how many times Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital patient Jeremy Keyser, age 15, has been a guest on the US 103.5 FM Cares for Kids Radiothon. THE CORRECT ANSWER is six. Jeremy, who was born with cerebral palsy, epilepsy and hydrocephalus, has spent so much of his time at the hospital, that he calls it his "medical home." Jeremy sees five physicians on an ongoing basis, in specialties that include neurology and cardiology. Keeping his medications fine-tuned is a challenge for a growing, changing teen, but Jeremy takes it all in stride. He enjoys his visits and—since he knows nearly everyone at the hospital—is used to being greeted like a rock star. "The hardest part is the limited use of the right side of my body, mostly my right hand," Jeremy says. "But I have learned to adapt and work around this. I get through the tough times by trying to stay positive." Jeremy recently went through all-day testing with Johns Hopkins All Children's new neuropsychologist, Jennifer Katzenstein, Ph.D., which helped diagnose a learning disability called nonverbal learning disorder. Even though Jeremy is an honor roll student at school, he has to learn certain subjects like math in a nonstandardized way. This diagnosis will help him get the specialized instruction he needs at school so that he can learn and work more independently. Dr. Katzenstein also confirmed Jeremy's diagnoses of sensory processing and anxiety, which had been leading to an increase in seizure activity. Jeremy recently hit a plateau with his traditional occupational, physical and speech therapies, so he now does a home program that was set up by his Johns Hopkins All Children's therapists. "We are starting to talk about transitioning into adulthood with his treatments," says Jeremy's mom, Paula, who works and volunteers at the hospital. GIVING BACK Jeremy helps to raise money for the hospital through various methods to help patients like himself receive treatment and programs not always covered by insurance. One of his favorites is participating in the annual Radiothon, a signature fundraiser for Johns Hopkins All Children's. "The Children's Miracle Network helps to secure donations to enhance the experience at the hospital for the kids," Jeremy explains. "The things that make a difference are not typically funded or paid for by health insurance, but they have a huge impact on families." "Whenever I get the privilege to spend time with Jeremy, he reminds me of the mindset we should all have," recalls Travis Daily, on-air personality from US 103.5 FM, which hosts Radiothon. "There has never been a time I have not both laughed and reflected upon life when I am around him. His family has this amazing strength that inspires our entire staff and listeners." "Thank you to everyone who helps make a difference for the children at Johns Hopkins All Children's through Children's Miracle Network Hospitals," Paula says. "Whether you are able to donate monetarily or with your time, it makes a big difference. Our family is committed to raising money for Johns Hopkins All Children's." Don't miss Jeremy's next Radiothon visit this December 1–2 by tuning into our ninth annual US 103.5 FM Cares for Kids Radiothon. Jeremy has been giving back to the hospital almost as long as he's been a patient, helping to raise funds for Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital through the Radiothon. Fall 2016 23 Giving ■

• Cover