Community Kindness Shines Bright for NICU Families

This September, in honor of NICU Awareness Month, Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital set out to make a big impact for the tiniest patients—and the only Level IV NICU in the region. Thanks to the generosity of donors, friends, and local supporters, the campaign raised an impressive $56,828 to help fragile newborns and their families.

A special word of gratitude goes to The Hershey Company, Capital Blue Cross, and MileOne Auto and Heritage Toyota for their Miracle Match sponsorships, which helped double every gift up to $25,000. Their commitment inspired others to give generously and multiplied the difference for babies who need it most.

Additional thanks go to Environmental Cleaning Solutions (ECS) for hosting the first “Corks for a Cause” at Eagles Landing, The Gathering Place, a five-course dinner curated by Chef Guido of Porch & Pantry and Waltz Vineyards. Thanks to a match by ECS founder and CEO Dave Ober, Sr., the event raised nearly $15,000.

“These gifts make a real difference in the lives of our patients,” said Katie Anderson, Director of Children’s Miracle Network. “Every dollar matters—it can save a life or provide a much-needed moment of pause for families facing days, weeks, or even months in the NICU. This is about supporting our neighbors, coworkers, grandchildren, and sometimes even our own children, while strengthening health care right here at home.”

Community support helps fund critical NICU resources such as:

• Giraffe OmniBeds that provide a warm, protective environment to help fragile newborns grow stronger.
• Angel Eye bedside cameras so parents can see and connect with their babies anytime, even from afar.
• Child Life services, supporting families with comfort, play, and guidance during challenging moments.
• Critical family assistance, including meal vouchers and gas cards, helping parents stay close to their baby without added stress.
• Lifesaving equipment that gives medical teams the tools they need to perform essential procedures.

Support like this helps children like Mac. Born at just 31 weeks, Mac spent three weeks in the NICU—where not only specialized care but also family-centered support made all the difference. His older siblings were comforted by the Child Life team, who explained what was happening and gave them ways to bond, from artwork to hang by his crib to Beads of Courage marking milestones. His parents leaned on the Patient Assistance Endowment, which provided meal vouchers and gas cards so they could remain close without added worry. And throughout, Mac’s nurses went the extra mile—matching his tiny outfits with blankets and ensuring his parents felt their baby was safe and loved, even when they couldn’t be at his side. 

We’re also grateful to Walmart locations in Etters (#4404), Palmyra (#2888), and Waynesboro (#3633) for their $1,000 grants supporting local children and the work of the NICU team.

With this incredible support, families in our community know they are never alone during the most critical moments. To help give more children the gift of growing up, visit www.cmnhershey.org.