Representatives from Spirit of Children visited Penn State Health Children's Hospital to present checks and celebrate more than $1 million raised for Children's Miracle Network and children's hospitals. .
Endowment Fund Program to Facilitate Hospitalization for Patients and Families
Spirit of Halloween presented a check for $112,854 to Children's Miracle Network and Penn State Health Children's Hospital, bringing the total donations from the Spirit of Children campaign since 2009 to $1,033,981. Funding is provided by donations raised by the Children's Miracle Network and Penn State Health Children's Hospital. 100% of her local donations stay in central Pennsylvania.
March 11, 2024
“The Spirit of Children is at the heart of Spirit Halloween and we are honored to partner with the Child Life team at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Total donations will exceed $1 million during the 2023 Halloween season. We couldn't be happier with what we did, and we look forward to reaching this next milestone with Penn State Health Children's Hospital,” said Jeremy Simpson, Spirit Halloween Zone Manager. said.
Donations to Spirit of Children support Child Life in a variety of ways, including age-appropriate programs, hiring and training staff, and purchasing educational and sensory resources. Child Life team members provide both inpatient and outpatient services, including medical plays, procedural preparation materials, and tours.
“We are extremely grateful for the hard work of Spirit Halloween and Spirit of Children. In my role, I see firsthand the deep significance of the Child Life Program. Its interventions and support help patients “This fundraising effort embodies philanthropy and promises to have a lasting and meaningful impact.” said Dr. Yatin M. Vyas, director of the hospital.
Children's Hospital facility dog Golden Retriever Kaia was the guest of honor at the Feb. 27 event, along with her primary handler and child life program manager Ashley Cain. In 2016, Kaia was brought to Children's Hospital by the Spirit of Children Foundation, becoming the first institutional dog to be employed full-time at Children's Hospital of Pennsylvania. Kaia uses her specialized training to provide specialized practice and treatment services to help pediatric patients. For example, Kaia can help calm children during a test or demonstrate how to lie down on the x-ray table.
The charitable foundation, which has a reach of approximately 160 hospitals across the United States, also hosts the annual Children's Hospital Spirit of Children Halloween Party. During the event, dozens of young patients and their families will enjoy Halloween celebrations, choose new costumes, play games, and make crafts.
“The Spirit of Children's Halloween Party brings smiles and provides much-needed joy and a sense of normalcy to those facing medical challenges. Child Life at Penn State Health Children's Hospital As a proud sponsor of Children's Miracle Network, we have witnessed the many ways this program helps heal,” said Katie Anderson, Director of Children's Miracle Network.
If you have trouble accessing this content or would like it in another format, please email Penn State Health Marketing & Communications.
