Making children's wishes come true

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Buffalo radio veteran, Larry Norton will probably need plenty of sleep.

That's because he hosted a 28 hour radio-thon, all to make children's wishes come true.

Wish recipient, Greg said, "I went into the back and I was like oh it's here!"

8 year old Greg from Lancaster couldn't have been more surprised on his birthday when the Make-A-Wish Foundation granted his wish, a hot tub to help with spa therapy as he battles neurofibromatosis, a life threatening illness.

He said, "It's been working and if I'd never been in my hot tub I would've never been walking."

Now Greg is at the 97 Rock Radio-thon, encouraging Western New Yorkers to help grant wishes for other kids just like him.

Norton explained, "Over the 15 years, folks in Western New York have donated more than $2 million."

And once again Norton is staying on the air 28 hours straight, taking pledges to play songs and auctioning off great prize packages, with all the proceeds going to Make-A-Wish.

Despite the tough economic times, Western New Yorkers are showing their generosity.

"We had a guy this morning donate part of his employment check," Norton said.

To date, the 97 Rock Radio-thon has helped grant more than 400 local wishes.

Ron Tritto said, "What it does is it brings hope for a better future, it actually gives a child strength to get through those difficult times and hospital wishes. It's a lifetime of joy, not just for the child, but the whole entire family."

Greg can certainly attest to that and he thinks all children should experience the power of a wish.

"Thanks for donating money because if people don't donate money the kids can't have their wishes," explained Greg.

113 kids are still on the list waiting to have their wishes granted.

Larry Norton and crew raised $245,000 over 28 hours.

That money will go a long way to grant the wishes of children with serious illnesses.