Here's something you can do that’s going make you feel great. All day – December 3rd and 4th and KISS-FM is helping out our friends at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital by raising money for the Kids of Central PA. Thank you for the support from our presenting sponsor Moff and Associates
- December 3rd and 4th
- 5:30am – 7:00pm both days
- CALL TO DONATE HERE (during time frame above): 1-877-322-KISS (5477)
- DONATE ONLINE ANYTIME 24/7 - CLICK HERE
Making Miracles and Healthy Tomorrows at Geisinger Janet Weis Children's Hospital
Donations to Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital help provide equipment, programs and services for children treated at the Children’s Hospital as well as Geisinger Pediatric Services throughout the state. It’s so important to become a 'Miracle Maker' by donating $20/month. Every dollar raised will stay local to help kids and families just like yours. Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital treats thousands of kids all over Central PA every year! No child is ever turned away regardless of their family’s ability to pay... That's why they need your help. Scroll down to meet our Featured Miracle Kids and their stories!
Name: Emma Ballengee
Age: 5
Diagnosis: Prematurity
Emma was born via emergency c-section, but doctors quickly noticed the umbilical cord was not attached to the placenta and she began bleeding out. She was also struggling to breathe on her own. Acting fast, doctors at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital were able to get Emma breathing again and used cooling therapy in her recovery. Emma is doing well and just loves to play!
Emma’s Holiday Wish: An end to the virus so she can go back to school and play with her friends – and a beautiful rainbow unicorn stuffed animal friend!
Name: Rylee Bond
Age: 13
Diagnosis: Brain Aneurysm
Rylee’s brain aneurysm resulted in her suffering a stroke, losing function of the right side of her body. Luckily, she was able to regain that function thanks to surgical intervention and physical therapy at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. Rylee is now back to doing what she loves – dancing!
Rylee’s Holiday Wish: Family to be able to gather together and be healthy – and some fake nails too!
Name: Allison Colna
Age: 9
Diagnosis: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Allison had a low-grade fever and her kindergarten teacher noticed her complexion was off. A trip to the school nurse prompted a trip to her pediatrician which led to her diagnosis. Blood tests revealed that Allison has acute lymphoblastic leukemia and needed immediate treatment to survive. Allison and her family went to Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital for specialized pediatric oncology treatment – her first stay was over a month long! Allison’s treatment would last two years, but she’s now thriving and enjoying time with her family!
Allison's Holiday Wish: Wishes COVID would end so she and her family could go back to the beach in Florida.
Name: Aaron Hauger
Age: 13
Diagnosis: Autoimmune Encephalitis
Aaron faced a very rare and scary autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to attack healthy brain cells. Aaron lost the ability to form words and, eventually, slipped into a coma for quite some time. Thankfully, treatment at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital helped Aaron fight back against the disease and with the help of continued rehabilitation – his speech and motor skills returned; Aaron is enjoying the things he always loved – bowling and spending time with his siblings!
Aaron’s Holiday Wish: To be able to give gifts to homeless children.
Name: Owen Kramer
Age: 4
Diagnosis: Kidney Issues Causing Sepsis
Owen was brought to the Pediatric Emergency Department after a referral from his family doctor because something just wasn’t right – Owen wasn’t eating like usual and seemed lethargic. Upon examination, doctors at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital admitted Owen to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) to begin immediate treatment of his deteriorating condition. Owen had a kidney issue which caused a back-up and led to sepsis. Owen also faced respiratory difficulty and was placed on ventilated support during his stay. With comprehensive treatment, Owen recovered and is doing well!
Owen’s Holiday Wish: Hope that everyone has a safe and happy holiday with their loved ones!
Name: Carter Mattucci
Age: 9
Diagnosis: Tricuspid Atresia with Hypoplastic Right Ventricle
When Carter was born the right pumping chamber of the heart was underdeveloped which caused his blood to not oxygenate properly. Carter’s skin had a bluish tint because of it. To correct the problem, Carter had to undergo three surgeries at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital – one at a few days old, one at 5 months and one at 3 years old. Carter is doing well and enjoys horseback riding with his sister, Laila.
Carter’s Holiday Wish: My holiday wish is that I can marry my friend, Lexi. I really wish this coronavirus would stop because I love everybody and I’m not getting to see everybody a lot, and because I wouldn’t have to wear a mask everywhere like I do now. I wish I would have nine lives, and I wish Mommy’s Goulash was as good as my Geema’s. I wish that my heart doesn’t get hurt by the Coronavirus. I wish I could get a monster Sirenhead toy. I wish that my whole family - my cousins and all - would get together again like we used to before the Coronavirus. I wish that my sister gets everything on her Christmas List. I would lose a couple presents so that she can get more. I’d do anything to make her happy. My last wish is that my back would feel better and I wouldn’t get any more headaches. That’s all.
Name: Emma Straub
Age: 9
Diagnosis: Prematurity
Emma was born with many congenital defects affecting her eyes, hips, trachea and esophagus. The top part of her esophagus and bottom part of her stomach was not connected and she had a narrowing of the major artery that carries blood to the body from the heart. Emma had to undergo critical surgeries in the first days of her life in order to survive. At 7 months, Emma was diagnosed with hip dysplasia. Emma is doing well and now a fun-loving, outgoing girl who aspires to be a veterinarian.
Emma’s Holiday Wish: For the coronavirus to be over – and a Present Puppy from Santa!
Name: Martin Wrobel
Age: 6
Diagnosis: Bacterial Meningitis
Martin was brought to Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital with a very high fever and began having seizures. He was admitted to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and quickly diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. The infection caused Martin to have several mini strokes and led to profound hearing loss. Martin underwent cochlear implant surgery and continues speech therapy. Thanks to quick treatment from his doctors, Martin is now living and hearing life to the fullest!
Martin’s Holiday Wish: That the COVID virus was gone so he can play without his mask on and that the toy room at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital was full of toys for all the kids who have to be there this year!