Children’s Miracle Network has reached a historic milestone, surpassing $100 million raised to support lifesaving care at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center since CMN’s local founding in 1984. The achievement marks one of the region’s most significant philanthropic impacts for children’s health, powered by donors, partners, volunteers and community champions who have supported the Children’s Hospital for more than four decades.
One of the many children touched by community generosity is Sam Erikson, a proud CMN Miracle Alum. Born 13 weeks early, Sam spent his first 73 days in a donor-funded NICU incubator. Throughout his childhood, he underwent six surgeries at the Children’s Hospital, supported by medical technology and patient services made possible by donor contributions. Donor support also opened doors beyond the hospital, including opportunities to participate in CMN events such as the annual Pay 4 Play radiothon on The People’s Morning Show on 105.7 THE X. Sharing his story on-air sparked a passion for broadcasting that led to his current role as a part-time radio host for WITF in Harrisburg.
Sam is a recent college graduate pursuing a master’s degree in higher education leadership at Messiah University. He also serves as a graduate assistant in the university’s Office of Academic Accessibility, supporting neurodivergent students and those with learning accommodations—proof of the long-term impact donor support can have in a child’s life.
This $100 million milestone was made possible through the dedication of local fundraisers, national corporate partners, volunteer-led initiatives and community-led events, including longstanding traditions like Telethon and Pay 4 Play.
“Reaching the $100 million mark is proof of the incredible compassion and commitment of our donor community,” said Katie Anderson, director of CMN at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Every dollar given—big or small—is an investment in healthier futures for our kids. It helps them heal ane thrive, and gives them the gift of growing up.”
As CMN looks to the year ahead, the organization remains focused on expanding community partnerships and meeting the growing needs of children and families in the region.
