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22 September 2004  

She calls herself the “hospital soldier.” The name is very fitting, considering Anna Baum has had to battle life-threatening surgeries and has come out the victor every time. “One doctor gave me 24 hours to live last year,” she said. But this 16-year old has beaten the odds and smiles to tell about it.

And one of the things that bring a smile to her pretty face is Radio Lollipop. Her two long-term stays and on-and-off visits to Miami Children’s Hospital have enabled her to participate on-air, beating other contestants to the punch, taking home dozens of prizes. “Radio Lollipop has helped me by giving me a distraction. You’re not always thinking about the pain. And besides,” she adds, “I love giving the deejays a hard time.”

And the deejays love having Anna tune in. One night, she requested a song for her sister, Tricia, who’s stationed in Afghanistan. But Anna got a very big surprise when she received a very special long distance dedication. Tricia called the Radio Lollipop studios directly and dedicated My Immortal. “That’s our song,” she proclaimed.

The RL volunteers have had a big impact on her life as well. Terrific Tuesday nighter, Rhoni, always stops by to chat and shower Anna with very special gifts. Ken, the Wild Man Wilder, also stops by frequently paying the “army brat” (as she also calls herself) a visit. And Wacky Wednesday’s Javi encourages Anna to visit the studios and participate in on-air contests.

Anna’s mom and grandparents agree there’s never a dull moment in her company. In fact, each time she has to go into surgery she makes one special request…that it be scheduled for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays – when Radio Lollipop is up and running.