2024 Telethon
Join us on June 3, 2024
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Thank you for helping give the gift of growing up!
40th Annual Telethon Raises $361,528
The 40th annual Children's Miracle Network Hershey Telethon raised $361,528 - surpassing the $350,000 goal - to benefit equipment, programs, and research at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. The event aired June 3 through 6 on WGAL8.
"We want to share our story and make sure people know that Children's Miracle Network is right here in their community," shared Lyndsay Gardner, whose seven-year-old daughter Harper was featured in their broadcast. "It's about helping the children in your local elementary schools and even in your own neighborhood. Donations are invaluable for giving children and families the services they need."
Gifts to the Telethon were raised through a pre-event mailing, online donations, and support from sponsors.
Throughout the week, Telethon spotlighted the stories of children who have received life-saving care at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, including Miracle Champion Harper. As the 2024 Miracle Champion, Harper designed the artwork on this year's Telethon t-shirt, which is given to donors who pledge $35 a month or make a one-time gift of $420.
Putting Dollars to Work
CMN Hershey is dedicated to maximizing the impact of every contribution through careful planning and transparency, ensuring that funds support our mission to help provide the best quality care to sick and injured children in our region. For example, the Life Lion pediatric ambulances make critical care possible for the smallest patients at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. The ambulance is equipped with specialized equipment designed for infants and children, including oxygen masks and pediatric defibrillators. Child-friendly colors and distractions help alleviate anxiety during transportation as our highly trained pediatric care professionals provide age-appropriate medical interventions.
Ensuring Accessibility
Increasing accessibility to healthcare and well-being ensures that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, has the opportunity to lead a healthy and fulfilling life. CMN Hershey, for example, supports several medical camps across central Pennsylvania, either directly or through scholarships, that welcome hundreds of children with special needs. These medical camps offer a unique opportunity for children facing challenges to experience healing, support, and joy in a safe and nurturing environment. Community gardens also promote health and well-being, serving as vibrant hubs for growing nutritious food, reducing stress, and making social connections. In addition, community gardens alleviate health disparities in underserved areas by expanding access to food.
Investing in Future Health
Supporting pediatric research is not just about discovering answers – it's about unlocking possibilities and nurturing hope. Scientific studies through Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine pave the way for medical advancements that save lives, improve outcomes, and enhance the quality of life. Currently, our experts are making strides in areas like chronic lung disease in young children and effective treatments of eating disorders in young adults.