Penn State Health Children's Hospital

11/14/2025

🤘Pay 4 Play is back Nov. 20–21!

105.7 The X and Nipsey, Jen Shade and Vince are bringing the 28-hour radio marathon to raise funds for Children's Miracle Network Hershey at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Last year over $387,700 was raised — this year the goal is $400,000!

💙Meet Evie: she went from a sore throat to fighting for her life in just days. Donor-funded ECMO support, music therapy, Child Life services and Pilot the facility dog helped her recover — and today she’s thriving and dreaming of helping kids like her.

Donate, pick a song and help give kids the gift of growing up. Every dollar counts — and during special matching hours, donations are doubled!

🎶Let’s make miracles happen together!

11/13/2025

🎄 Bring holiday cheer to kids at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital!

🚗 Drive-Thru Donation Night
🗓 Tuesday, December 2 | 5–7 p.m.
📍 University Physician Center (black glass building behind the hospital)

🎁 Bring toys, books or other thoughtful donations, and our amazing Child Life team will greet you at your car to accept them — no need to get out or pre-register!

❌ Please do not gift-wrap or include labels/tags.

Explore Child Life’s wish list: https://bit.ly/43YBy92

11/13/2025

11/12/2025

The countdown is on! 💙

Today marks 100 days until the 2026 Penn State THON💠

We can’t wait for another incredible year of dancing, fundraising, and coming together to support Four Diamonds. Every step, every dollar and every cheer makes a difference for kids battling cancer right here at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. 🎗️

11/11/2025

Art, reflection and healing after childhood cancer 🎨

Childhood cancer survivors often face challenges long after treatment ends. Through Photo Voice, a project presented by the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Clinic at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and funded by Four Diamonds, survivors explored their experiences through photography and writing.

The program gave five adult survivors the chance to connect, share their stories and process feelings about body image, relationships and self-identity — challenges many childhood cancer survivors face. Their powerful photos and essays were displayed at the hospital’s Tree House Café for friends and family to experience.

Led by Dr. Smita Dandekar, the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Clinic provides comprehensive support for survivors’ physical, emotional and mental health, with a multidisciplinary team including a social worker, art therapist, neuropsychologist and genetic counselor — all supported by Four Diamonds.

🎗️ Learn more about the Childhood Cancer Survivorship Program and the work helping survivors thrive: https://bit.ly/3J3I9rA

➡️ Read the full story here: https://bit.ly/4qSXT1v

11/07/2025

Think your home is babyproofed? Think again.

You’ve covered the outlets and padded the corners, but hidden hazards are everywhere. Even everyday items like button batteries, sensory toys, high chairs and walkers can put toddlers at risk.

🎥 Emmy Sasala, trauma prevention coordinator at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, explains why button batteries are especially dangerous — and why active supervision and knowing what to watch for are key to keeping little ones safe.

Read the full Medical Minute to learn about five hidden dangers parents often overlook — and how to keep your home safer: https://bit.ly/3Ltwovl

11/06/2025

⚠️ What’s going around?

As temperatures drop, pediatricians at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital are seeing more cases of flu, RSV, strep throat, croup, seasonal allergies and viral upper respiratory infections.

👩‍⚕️ Dr. Leah Kaye says croup, often marked by a barky cough or hoarse voice, can usually be treated at home — but parents should seek urgent care if breathing becomes labored or distress is visible.

💉 Dr. Susannah Christman of Penn State Health Children’s Lancaster Pediatric Center reminds families to stay protected. If you or your child haven’t gotten your flu shot yet, now is the time — and for infants under 8 months, an RSV antibody can reduce RSV-related hospitalizations by 80% or more.

✨ Our pediatricians are here to help families navigate cold and flu season with expert care and guidance — because keeping kids healthy is always our top priority.

11/05/2025

🐾 Keep It Pawsitive with Penn State Health Facility Dog Merch!

Show your love for Pilot, Captain, Skye, Thor and Baron — our full-time facility dogs who bring comfort, care and smiles to patients, families and staff every day. 🐶

👕 The online store is open now through Nov. 18 with short- and long-sleeve tees, hoodies and crewnecks for adults — plus short-sleeve options for children and toddlers. Orders ship straight to your door!

✨ This year’s new design is here — and it’s the last chance to grab the original before it heads into the vault. Perfect for holiday gifting!

Get yours here: https://bit.ly/494KzAP

11/04/2025

👀 Eyes on the prize! Keeping your child’s vision healthy helps them learn, play, and explore every day.

Watch for signs like squinting, holding objects too close, frequent eye rubbing, or one eye drifting inward or outward — catching problems early makes a big difference.

At Penn State Health Children’s Lancaster Pediatric Center and at Penn State Health in Hershey, our pediatric ophthalmology team cares for kids of all ages — from infants to teens. Younger children can be seen without a referral, while older kids may need one from their optometrist.

➡️ Learn more tips from our experts to keep your child’s eyes healthy: https://bit.ly/4nDy9Ua

11/03/2025

🎮 Level Up for a Cause!

Extra Life Virtual Game Week is almost here — and you can turn your love for games into real impact for kids at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital!

Nov. 9–16, gamers across the region will turn play into purpose, raising funds for Children’s Miracle Network Hershey. Gaming for good is about playing the games that bring us joy to help bring others joy — and everyone is welcome! Whether you’re building worlds in Roblox or Minecraft, racing in Mario Kart, casting spells in Dungeons & Dragons, solving puzzles in Wordle or enjoying a board game night with friends, there’s a way to raise funds for kids in need.

🎲 Since 2021, nearly 500 gamers have raised more than $224,000 to support lifesaving equipment, vital programs and innovative research.

💙 Don’t just play — make every move count! Learn more or sign up here: https://bit.ly/48UixrH

10/31/2025

Superheroes, princesses and magical creatures came together to make Halloween extra special at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.

Our annual Halloween parade, made possible by our amazing Child Life team, brought trick-or-treat fun right to our patients’ doors. From “boo”-tiful costumes to plenty of candy, the halls were filled with laughter, color and joy — creating special memories for children spending the holiday in the hospital.

A big thank-you to Starlight Children's Foundation and Spirit of Children for helping make the day even brighter with donated costumes and festive Halloween items. 🎃🧡