Penn State Health Children's Hospital

12/05/2025

E-bikes and e-scooters are showing up on more holiday wish lists — but experts at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital want parents to understand the risks before saying yes.

Doctors here have already treated more children for e-bike and e-scooter injuries this year than in the previous three years combined. These accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries, fractures and, in some cases, serious internal injuries that require surgery.

Dr. Bryanna Emr, pediatric trauma medical director at Penn State Health, urges families to know the dangers and the law. In Pennsylvania, children under 16 are not permitted to operate e-bikes in public. Riders should always wear a helmet, use reflective clothing, understand the rules of the road and assume drivers may not see them.

Read more about what parents should know:

E-bikes and e-scooters are surging in popularity. You may even find one on your child’s holiday wish list. But experts at Penn State Health have a warning before you grant that wish. “S…

12/04/2025

What’s Going Around 🤒

Pediatricians at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital are seeing viral upper respiratory infections, a viral stomach bug, sore throats, croup, rashes and hand, foot and mouth disease.

Dr. Leah Kaye says many children are also coming in with diarrhea — sometimes up to seven or eight times a day, with some having vomiting during the first day or two. Most cases are viral, so the focus is on preventing dehydration by encouraging frequent fluid intake.

⚠️ Parents should contact their child’s health care provider if:
🔹 Their child has been around farm animals or reptiles
🔹 There is blood in the stool
🔹 They have severe belly pain
🔹 Diarrhea lasts more than two weeks

12/03/2025

Santa made a special stop at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital today, trading his sleigh for a Hershey Volunteer Fire Department fire truck! 🎅

He waved to patients and families from outside their windows, then headed inside to share smiles, cheer and a touch of holiday magic. ✨

We’re grateful to our Child Life Program and the Hershey Volunteer Fire Department for bringing this visit to life. 🚒

12/02/2025

✨ Tonight is the night to bring holiday cheer to kids at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital!

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

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

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

Thank you for helping brighten the season for our patients and families.

12/02/2025

Hockey Fights Cancer brought an unforgettable moment to the Giant Center last night when Four Diamonds patient Westin took the ice for the ceremonial puck drop.

Just a year ago, Westin was navigating treatment for neuroblastoma. Last night, he stood center ice — smiling, confident and back to doing the things he loves. His courage reflects the strength of so many children and families who face childhood cancer with determination and hope.

Thank you to the Hershey Bears and our community for lifting up kids like Westin and supporting the care teams who walk beside them. 💜

11/28/2025

Our halls were full of smiles this week when the Hershey Bears stopped by Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital! Players spent time with patients, handed out jerseys and sported their special purple Hockey Fights Cancer jerseys.

They also played a friendly game of Family Feud on CCTV against our Child Life team, with patients calling in to help either team steal points. After the game, the players visited with patients who called in.

And of course, they gave Baron and Pilot, our facility dogs, plenty of love 🐾

Don’t miss the Hockey Fights Cancer game this Sunday at 5 p.m. at the Giant Center. 💜

11/27/2025

This Thanksgiving, we are especially grateful for the extraordinary generosity of Tom Golisano. Mr. Golisano’s transformational gift is helping shape the future of Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital and supporting the care our patients and families depend on.

We also extend our thanks to the families who trust us and to the dedicated team members who care for children across our hospital every day — including on holidays like today. 💙

Wishing everyone a safe and joyful Thanksgiving. 🦃

11/26/2025

🎁 The holiday season is one of the busiest and most generous times for Child Life at Penn State Golisano Children’s Hospital. Here’s how you can help brighten the season for our patients and families:

Ways to Donate:
🔹 Visit our online wish registry or holiday wish list: https://bit.ly/4ojFpVx
🔹 Donations must be received by Tuesday, Dec. 16
🔹 Appointments are required for all drop-offs
🔹 Donations cannot be dropped off at the Information Desk
🔹 Please do not gift wrap or add labels/tags

📅 Schedule Your Delivery:
Contact Pam Baranowski at childlife@pennstatehealth.psu.edu or 717-531-8366

Holiday Donation Events:
🚗 Drive-Thru Donation Night: Tuesday, Dec. 2, 5–7 p.m., University Physician Center (behind the hospital). No preregistration — staff will collect donations at your car.

🎄Community Donation Day: Saturday, Dec. 13. Appointment required — email childlife@pennstatehealth.psu.edu to schedule.

➡️ If you miss the holiday deadline, donations will be accepted again starting Monday, Feb. 2, 2026 (appointments required).

Thank you for helping make the holidays brighter for the children and families in our care! ✨

11/25/2025

What’s Going Around 🩺

Pediatricians at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital and Lancaster Pediatric Center are seeing more colds, wheezing, and sore throats in kids. Here’s what parents should know:

😮‍💨 Wheezing
Dr. Leah Kaye says congestion can make a child sound “wheezy,” but it isn’t always from the lungs. It often improves after suctioning or, for older kids, blowing their nose. If noisy breathing continues, a doctor can check if it’s true wheezing that may need medication.

⚠️ Warning signs: using belly or chest muscles to breathe or difficulty speaking in full sentences — seek care in the ER.

🤒 Sore throats
Dr. Susannah Christman of Lancaster Pediatric Center says most are caused by viruses or post-nasal drip. Strep is more likely if your child has a fever without a cough, plus swollen or spotty tonsils.

💊 If strep is confirmed: antibiotics are needed, and kids are no longer contagious after 24 hours on medication.

When in doubt, contact your child’s pediatrician for guidance.

11/24/2025

This is what giving looks like! 💙

The 19th annual Pay 4 Play raised an astonishing $404,895.63 for Children's Miracle Network Hershey at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital — breaking records and pushing this beloved tradition past $4 million raised over 19 years!

The Official People's Morning Show team — Nipsey, Jen Shade and Vince — powered a 28-hour broadcast filled with music requests, emotional family stories and incredible generosity from listeners, community partners and sponsors. Throughout the event, Miracle Families shared their experiences and the care their children received at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital, reminding everyone why this tradition matters so deeply.

Thanks to the support of our community, Children’s Miracle Network can continue investing in advanced equipment, child-centered programs and research that helps children heal, grow and experience the moments that make childhood possible.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in, donated or helped spread the word!

11/21/2025

A record-breaking Pay 4 Play… again! 🎉

Our community showed up in a big way during this year’s 19th Annual Pay 4 Play on The Official People's Morning Show on 105.7 The X — raising an incredible $404,895 for Children's Miracle Network Hershey at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.

Hosted by Nipsey, Jen Shade and Vince, the 28-hour broadcast helped push the event’s 19-year total to more than $4 million.

We’re grateful for everyone who contributed, with a special shout out to The Official People’s Morning Show team. Every dollar raised helps give kids at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital the gift of growing up — supporting lifesaving equipment, child-centered programs and groundbreaking research: https://bit.ly/3Kj7azz

11/20/2025

🎶 Pay 4 Play is happening now!

Tune in to WQXA 105.7 The X through Friday, Nov. 21 at 10 a.m. to support Children's Miracle Network Hershey at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital.

For 18 years, Pay 4 Play has raised over $3.8 million to fund lifesaving equipment, family programs, and pediatric research. Donate at https://bit.ly/4re3aRG and request a song to be played on air — songs outside the station’s active rock format require a higher donation, adding fun surprises to the 28-hour broadcast.

This year, we’re aiming to beat last year’s total of $387,731 and push the 19-year total past $4 million. Tune in and help make a difference for kids in our community. 💙