Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital announces 2026 Miracle Champion Izzy
Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to introduce its 2026 Miracle Champion, Izzy Rivera. CMN helps provide lifesaving equipment, vital patients programs, and innovative research to sick and injured children in our community.
A lifesaving journey
At six months old, Izzy was airlifted by Penn State Health Life Lion to Golisano Children’s Hospital after her parents noticed she was struggling to breathe during feedings. Shortly after arrival, she went into cardiac arrest and was revived after seven minutes of CPR. To support her failing heart and lungs, doctors placed Izzy on an ECMO machine, a critical, donor-funded technology that temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs for patients in critical condition. Within 24 hours, she underwent lifesaving open-heart surgery for a rare congenital heart defect. After a month in the pediatric intensive care unit, Izzy returned home with her family on Christmas Eve.
Several years later, Izzy faced another medical emergency. An unrelated illness quickly became life-threatening, leading to a seizure, aneurysm, and emergency brain surgery. Throughout it all, her parents reminded her of her strength: “You are brave. You are strong.”
Support beyond medicine
During both hospital stays, programs funded by CMN helped Izzy and her family in countless ways. Meal vouchers from the Patient Assistance Endowment kept her mother nourished while staying at her daughter’s side. Music therapy helped calm and distract Izzy during medical procedures. Child Life specialists brought light-up toys and activities to brighten her day, and visits from facility dogs added moments of joy. The Hummingbird Program provided trusted guidance to Izzy’s parents, helping them navigate complex decisions while keeping their family at the center of care.
Thriving today
Today, Izzy is thriving. She enjoys dancing, cheering, and attending school — milestones her family credits to the care, technology, and donor support that helped give her the gift of growing up.
“Izzy’s journey shows what’s possible when a community comes together to support children and families,” said Katie Anderson, director of CMN at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Because of generous donors, kids like Izzy have access to lifesaving technology like ECMO, along with compassionate programs that provide comfort and hope during the most challenging moments. Her story reminds us that every gift makes a real difference in a child’s life.”
What it means to be a Miracle Champion
Champions are patient ambassadors for Children’s Miracle Network®, representing the millions of kids treated at children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada each year. Through their stories, Champions bring our mission to life — showing how community generosity fuels care, innovation, and hope. By sharing their experiences, Champions inspire others to join the CMN movement — all together, for all kids. Stories like Izzy’s are made possible by donors who support Golisano Children’s Hospital, providing lifesaving care, comfort, and resources for children and families in need.
Together, we’re building the foundation for excellent care today and transforming children’s health for tomorrow. To support children in your community, click here.
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