Community Rallies for Penn State Health Children’s Week, April 6-12
April 6 marks the start of the eighth annual Penn State Health Children’s Week, a fundraising campaign benefiting the Children’s Miracle Network’s Patient Assistance Endowment at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital, which provides critical support to families when a child is hospitalized.
When Izzy Rivera was just 5 years old, she was rushed to Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital after a worsening infection led to a seizure and brain bleeding, requiring emergency surgery. Her family experienced firsthand the impact of patient assistance.
“The support from donors and the Patient Assistance Endowment made so much difference,” said Kelly Rivera, Izzy’s mother. “Even simple things like meal vouchers helped me feel a little more normal and take care of myself during such a scary time. When there are so many unknowns, those little things really add up, and it meant I didn’t have to worry about one more bill. It let me focus on Izzy and just be there for her when she needed me most.”
Children’s Miracle Network child Izzy Rivera poses for a photo with with her mother, Kelly Rivera.
“Children’s Week is about easing the burden families face when their child is in the hospital,” said Katie Anderson, director of Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Every dollar raised stays local, providing direct patient assistance—things like medication, transportation and everyday essentials—so families can focus on what matters most: being by their child’s side. Thanks to our community’s generosity, no family has to face it alone.”
This year, CMN aims to raise $85,000 to help patients and their families. Community members can contribute through a variety of ways, including online donations and the Meals That Heal event. Local restaurants and businesses will offer discounts, special dining nights and portions of sales donated directly to the Patient Assistance Endowment. For more information visit https://www.cmnhershey.org/MealsThatHeal26.
Sponsors of the event include Heritage Toyota Harrisburg, Shollenberger, Januzzi & Wolfe, LLP, Bobby Rahal Toyota and McClure Company.
Learn more and give at cmnhershey.org/CW26.
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