HERSHEY, Pa. — The 41st annual Children’s Miracle Network Hershey (CMN) Telethon raised $343,954 to benefit equipment, programs and research at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. The event aired June 2 through 5 on WGAL8.
“My pregnancy was easy — until it wasn’t," shared Stacy Dunn, whose now 12-year-old daughter Addison was featured in the broadcast. "In 2012, we were watching the Children’s Miracle Network Telethon as they raised funds to buy beds for the NICU — beds I knew we would soon need.
"Addison spent 87 days in the NICU. So much of her equipment had a Children’s Miracle Network plaque on it — even her first bed had a sign that read, ‘This bed was purchased with funds raised by ‘Children’s Miracle Network.’ I knew that because of the Telethon and its donors, Addison — and so many children like her — had what they needed. I want to say a great big thank you to Children’s Miracle Network and the generous community of donors who give children the incredible gift of growing up.”
The funds raised from this year’s telethon will support family-centered programs, lifesaving equipment and transformative research for pediatric patients like Addison.
Gifts to the telethon were raised through a pre-event mailing, online donations and support from sponsors, including Johnson Controls; The Hershey Company; Hershey Entertainment & Resorts; Woodstream Corporation; Donegal Insurance Group; Vizo Financial Corporate Credit Union; Highmark Bright Blue Futures; McClure Company; Enders; Shollenberger, Januzzi & Wolfe LLP; Universal Media; GCM Built; PSECU; JPL; and Member’s 1st Federal Credit Union.
“The 41st annual Telethon was more than a broadcast — it was a powerful reminder of what’s possible when a community comes together,” said Katie Anderson, director of Children’s Miracle Network Hershey. “From the inspirational families who shared their stories, to the volunteers, donors and partners who rallied behind them — every gift helped ensure that children and families at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital have the support they need to heal, grow and thrive.”
Learn more and give at CMNHershey.org.