Charlottesville, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – From Shenandoah Joe Coffee Roasters, owner Darrell Pacheco joined Morning News discuss the UVA Cares for Kids Radiothon and to share a personal story that highlighted the importance of supporting UVA Children’s Hospital. Pacheco, whose twins were considered high-risk during pregnancy, recalled the expert care his family received at UVA. “It absolutely does impact me when I hear that statistic because it could have very easily been my boys,” he said, reflecting on the 837 babies admitted to the NICU last year. Though his family didn’t end up needing NICU care, he emphasized the reassurance of knowing it was available and the quality of support they received.

Pacheco also spoke about a frightening night when one of his sons became ill and required emergency care. “That was really scary… we had to go there at midnight… they took amazing care of my wife and my boy,” he said. “The nurses actually followed up with my wife.” As a business owner, husband, and father, he sees firsthand how critical the hospital’s services are, not just for his family, but for countless others in the community who may be uninsured or in financial need.

To give back, Shenandoah Joe offers free drinks to uniformed first responders and now features QR codes at their registers to make donating to the Radiothon simple. “This a really important endeavor,” said Pacheco, encouraging the community to take part. Donations go directly to supporting UVA Children’s Hospital and the families who rely on it every day. To give, call 434-982-HOPE, text UVAKIDS to 51555, or visit https://donate.mygift4kids.org/getdonor.  

Listen to the full conversation here: