Honoring Dr. Robert Cilley
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dr. Robert Cilley, a pediatric surgeon at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Dr. Cilley is a hero to so many patients and their families. Several Miracle Families shared their memories of him.
“Dr. Cilley did Taylor’s Gtube and tracheotomy; he was amazing and so kind during a stressful time” – Miracle Mom Kristen Oesterling
“Dr. Cilley did an emergency GJ tube exchange for Tallulah once when her tube came out. He also visited her as the attending pediatric surgeon during several of her inpatient stays. We are so thankful for his wonderful care and helping get Tallulah to where she is now! FINALLY eating by mouth!” – Miracle Mom Brenna Larkin
“We love Dr. Cilley he is amazing!! We don’t have words to express the gratitude we feel for everything him and his team did for Joseph!!” – Miracle Mom Noemi Ramirez
“My three kiddos had g-tubes placed by Dr. Cilley. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for him and helping my three.” – Miracle Mom Valerie Hester
“Wow, Dr. Cilley is the amazing pediatric surgeon who spent eight hours in surgery with our son when he was just four months old and less than seven pounds. We cannot thank Dr. Cilley enough for saving Owen's life and giving us many more days and happy memories with this smiling, joyful, and passionate kiddo!” – Miracle Mom Christi Zeager
“Dr. Cilley did an emergency Gtube change just a day after Gannon Jr got his Gtube surgery inpatient before he ever got discharged for home in July 2014. He also closed up Gannon's Gtube site after it was taken out. He was always apart of all his surgeries as I only requested Dr. Cilley and Dr. Engbrecht for all of Gannon's surgery since they gave me that level of trust and compassion since day one when Gannon was transferred to Penn State Health Children's Hospital in 2013 and they began his surgeries all there.” – Miracle Mom Jennifer Kupko
“Dr. Cilley was a literal lifesaver multiple times for Joella! He did her emergency dilation and two major throat repairs. Without those surgeries being successful she would not have be where she is today!” – Miracle Mom Janette Migliori
“I was in a unique position seven years ago to be mom to Kai, a 1 pound "25 weeker," and also be a pediatric CRNA who frequently worked with Cilley in the operating room. When my son was four months old and had already spent over 100+ days in the NICU, his bowel perforated. Kai was already fragile, and now extremely sick. He needed life-saving surgery at the bedside immediately. It was Dr. Cilley who I hand-picked to save my son. It wasn’t easy, but Kai came through it and three months later he finally came home! That same summer Kai needed the 2nd stage of this bowel surgery, and there once again I ensured Dr. Cilley performed his surgery. SEVEN hours later, Kai came through it like a champ! This pediatric surgery group is fantastic, and Dr. Cilley shines in a group of bright and talented surgeons!” Miracle Mom Leanne Parke
"Dr. Robert Cilley built a path for our family's beautiful journey together. Thank you Dr. Cilley and thank you to all the Hershey staff over the years!" - Miracle Mom Erin Lindenmuth
