Children’s Miracle Network reaches historic fundraising milestone
Philanthropic support for Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital exceeds $100 million
Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) has reached a historic milestone, surpassing $100 million raised to support lifesaving care at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center since CMN’s local founding in 1984. The achievement marks one of the region’s most significant philanthropic impacts for children’s health, powered by donors, partners, volunteers and community champions who have supported the Children’s Hospital for more than four decades.
Each year, thousands of children rely on donor-funded equipment, research, programs and family support services that help them heal and thrive. This year alone, donor generosity helped advance care through several high-impact initiatives, including:
- Advanced imaging technology: Funding for cutting-edge AI imaging technology, reducing scan times, lowering anesthesia needs and making the entire experience easier for children and families.
- Medical safe summer camps: Support for specialized programs such as Camp LionHeart and PA Vent Camp, allowing children with advanced medical needs to enjoy camp experiences with dedicated medical teams.
- NICU expansion: Investment in expanding the Level II NICU at Penn State Health Lancaster Medical Center, with completion expected in fall 2026, helping families access high-quality neonatal care closer to home and ensuring seamless transfers to the Level IV NICU at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital when higher-level care is needed.
- Essential family and patient services: Continued support for patient assistance funds, research, medical equipment, music therapy, Child Life services and other programs that bring comfort, healing and stability during challenging hospital stays.
One of the many children touched by community generosity is Sam Erikson, a proud CMN Miracle Alum. Born 13 weeks early, Sam spent his first 73 days in a donor-funded NICU incubator. Throughout his childhood, he underwent six surgeries at the Children’s Hospital, supported by medical technology and patient services made possible by donor contributions. Donor support also opened doors beyond the hospital, including opportunities to participate in CMN events such as the annual Pay 4 Play radiothon on The People’s Morning Show on 105.7 THE X. Sharing his story on-air sparked a passion for broadcasting that led to his current role as a part-time radio host for WITF in Harrisburg.
Today, Sam is a recent college graduate pursuing a master’s degree in higher education leadership at Messiah University. He also serves as a graduate assistant in the university’s Office of Academic Accessibility, supporting neurodivergent students and those with learning accommodations—proof of the long-term impact donor support can have in a child’s life.
This $100 million milestone was made possible through the dedication of local fundraisers, national corporate partners, volunteer-led initiatives and community-led events, including longstanding traditions like Telethon and Pay 4 Play.
“Reaching the $100 million mark is proof of the incredible compassion and commitment of our donor community,” said Katie Anderson, director of CMN at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Every dollar given—big or small—is an investment in healthier futures for our kids. It helps them heal and thrive, and gives them the gift of growing up.”
As CMN looks to the year ahead, the organization remains focused on expanding community partnerships and meeting the growing needs of children and families in the region.
For more information about how donor support helps bring advanced technology and life-changing care to local families, visit www.cmnhershey.org.
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