Hershey, Pennsylvania – In collaboration with Penn State Health Children's Hospital Child Life Program First Lady Lori Shapiro and Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen They played bingo and visited young patients at a hospital in Hershey. During their visit, the first lady and her deputy heard about how the funds generated by Penn State's THON are impacting the hospital's patients and their families.
“As parents of four children, Josh and I know how fortunate Pennsylvania is to have so many world-class health care providers.” First Lady Lori Shapiro said.. “I was excited to join Dr. Bogen and learn more about the exemplary work Penn State Health Children’s Hospital does to support children and families.”
The Child Life Program plays Bingo with patients and families every Wednesday at Children's Hospital. The First Lady and Dr. Bogen were happy to help lead the activities and deliver prizes to participants.
“Playing games and participating in interesting and fun activities can be helpful for children and their families facing serious medical issues.” Acting Secretary of Health Dr. Debra Bogen said:. “Child life programs play an important role in supporting the developmental and mental health of children and their families during hospitalization and outpatient treatment, and this support can foster improvements in physical health. I can.”
Child Life Programs promote the positive development of children, teens, and families by providing age-appropriate programs to build coping skills and reduce emotional distress. Child Life staff help children and families prepare for and cope with the stress of health problems and hospitalization. They advocate for the well-being of patients and families through therapeutic play, education, and emotional support. Child life specialists help patients know what to expect before, during, and after surgery or hospitalization.
Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center is the only locally based academic medical center in central Pennsylvania. The on-campus children's hospital is the only children's hospital between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia and is fully equipped to treat the most seriously ill children.
THON has raised more than $219 million for its sole beneficiary, Penn State Health Children's Hospital Four Diamonds. Four Diamonds is committed to defeating childhood cancer by offsetting treatment costs not covered by insurance and costs that may impact a child's well-being. Funds from THON's fundraisers are donated annually to Four Diamonds, which provides services like Child Life to children battling cancer at children's hospitals.
Media contact: Mark O'Neill – ra-dhpressoffice@pa.gov
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