ROSEVILLE (WWJ) - The ninth annual WWJ Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW (The Heat and Warmth Fund) kicks off in just one day, and we’re highlighting the story of a how friendship really can kindle the heart with a little help from listeners like you.

For more than four months, life for Lulu and Harvey Boling of Roseville was simply unbearable.

“Your kids cry that they’re cold or, you know, trying to get ready for school in the morning and brushing your teeth with ice-cold water or washing your face with ice-cold water,” Lulu told WWJ’s Kathryn Larson.

Along with a new grandchild, Harvey was diagnosed with an extremely rare disease and needed a new kidney — but after finding an O+ donor match, he was also diagnosed with cancer.

A daily dialysis machine drained the Boling’s savings, until there was nothing left for the piling bills and the heat had to be shut off.

“I felt like a failure. I know things happen but when your kids are cold,” said Lulu, getting choked up.

Enter a guardian angel: Family friend Danielle Sawa who took up the search for help.

“Everyone was just telling me that they had no funding and I called the Salvation Army, the National Kidney Foundation,” said Sawa, adding that they all turned her down.

With nowhere else to look, Sawa turned to THAW.

“It was the right thing to do, you know, it was coming one winter, it’s cold, it’s horrible,” said Sawa.

After Danielle’s simple email, THAW responded by cranking up the heat.

“I felt like hugging the guy’s neck off. We were running around, jumping around, clapping,” said Lulu.

With the heat came peace of mind, and Lulu said it makes all the difference.

“I am thankful, my family is thankful,” said Lulu.

And the good news continued: Harvey’s cancer is in remission, and he will be back on the kidney transplant list next year.

Starting Friday at 5 a.m., WWJ Newsradio 950 will broadcast live for 31 hours straight, from The Henry Ford in Dearborn, to help raise much-needed funds for THAW.

To see all the ways you can help donate toward the 9th Annual WWJ Winter Survival Radiothon for THAW, click here.