Jonas Brothers Create Unforgettable Memory for Miracle Child Izzy
Before the Jonas Brothers lit up the stage at their Greetings From Your Hometown tour stop at Hersheypark Stadium on August 17, they created a moment far brighter than the spotlight for one of their biggest fans. Seven-year-old Izzy Rivera, a Children’s Miracle Network Miracle Child at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital, was given a superfan opportunity—a private backstage meet-and-greet with the trio she adores. Through their longstanding relationship with Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, the Jonas Brothers provided the tickets that made this unforgettable experience possible.
When Izzy met the Jonas Brothers, it was excitement from the start. Her mom, Kelly, recalled how kind they were—each brother knelt down to Izzy’s eye level and introduced himself. Izzy also had something special to share: bracelets from her Izzy Rey Alpaca Squad, which she makes and wears to raise awareness for her heart condition. Each Jonas Brother received one, and in return they gave Izzy keepsakes of her own—a guitar pick from Kevin and a page from the night’s set list. At one point, Izzy couldn’t wait to show Kevin her sparkly nails, a moment that left everyone smiling.
For Izzy, this wasn’t just a fun night—it was an opportunity to showcase the healing power of moments like this. Music has always been part of her story. During long hospital stays, Izzy leaned on music therapy—funded by generous Children’s Miracle Network donors—where music therapists sang songs to calm her, lift her spirits, and help distract from painful procedures. Meeting the Jonas Brothers was a full-circle dream that reflected just how far she’s come.
Izzy’s journey is nothing short of remarkable. At six months old, she was airlifted by Life Lion to Penn State Health Children’s Hospital after going into cardiac arrest and placed on ECMO before undergoing lifesaving open-heart surgery for a rare congenital heart defect (ALCAPA). Years later, she survived another health crisis—emergency brain surgery following a seizure and aneurysm. Through every challenge, her joy, resilience, and love of music have carried her forward.
Today, Izzy is thriving—cheering, dancing, and starting a new school year. She is also at the very heart of the mission and vision of Children’s Miracle Network: raising awareness, saving kids’ lives, and helping kids grow up healthy. Her family continues to share their story at local Children’s Miracle Network events, remains close with the care teams in Hershey who saved her life, and will even host a community fundraiser this fall to benefit Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital.
Izzy’s family believe the evening was more than just a show. “This was a core memory made for sure,” shared Izzy’s mom. “Kevin even noticed her during the concert and waved. He was very sweet—it melted a mom’s heart.”
On this night in Hershey, thanks to the Jonas Brothers, Izzy’s bravery and love of music shone in a new way—reminding us all of the happiness, hope, and healing that moments like these can bring.