The 40th CHEO Telethon is underway

The 40th CHEO Telethon in on CTV Ottawa until 7 p.m. Last year's CHEO Telethon raised a record $11.8 million.

Residents of Ottawa, eastern Ontario and western Quebec are being asked to open their hearts and wallets today to support CHEO, while also learning about how your donations support patients and staff at the children's hospital.

The 40th CHEO Telethon is underway until 7 p.m. on CTV Ottawa.

The telethon is a chance to honour the brave children, youth and families that rely on CHEO for care, along with the teams that care for them. It's also a day to celebrate and thank the community for its support for eastern Ontario's children's hospital.

"Sure it's a lot of work, but it's something we always look forward too," CHEO Foundation President Steve Read told Newstalk 580 CFRA.

"It's such a nice opportunity for us to be able to shine a spotlight on some of the amazing fundraising that takes place for CHEO throughout the year."

During the telethon on CTV Ottawa, we will introduce you to the patients and families who benefit from CHEO, along with the medical professionals involved in their treatment.

Read says it is a day to show residents across the region how important CHEO is to the care of children and youth every day.