Speeches

Hershey Children's Hospital Campaign Kickoff Press Conference

Thank you for joining us for the Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital Campaign Kickoff.  This announcement brings us one step closer to the realization of a Children’s Hospital that will transform the medical care available to the children and families in central Pennsylvania.

When we’re talking about a bricks and mortar project like this one, it’s easy to focus on the beautiful renderings, the multi-million dollar campaign goal, and the high tech aspects of a new building. But today’s announcement is not about a project. Today’s announcement is about people.

This was underscored for me when I attended Penn State’s Dance Marathon earlier this year. Throughout that weekend, I heard many stories from families who receive care at the Children’s Hospital.

For example, there was six-year old boy who has brain cancer. His mother said they call him the man of steel, because he often undergoes his treatments without anesthesia.

Another family drives 100 miles every day so their 2½-year-old son can get the radiation treatment he needs to ensure that he stays cancer free. Apparently the boy’s favorite medicine is the lollipop he picks up after treatment.

Some of the THON dancers are cancer survivors, and despite their own challenges and difficulties, they were overflowing with exuberance and remarkable endurance. I am inspired by their stories of hope, courage, and confidence in their doctors and nurses.
 
The Children’s Hospital will ensure that we can provide specialized care for children, whether they arrive as a two-pound premature infant or a 222-pound teenage linebacker (send me his name by the way).

However, like academic health centers across the United States, the Hershey Medical Center is faced with skyrocketing insurance costs, a shortage of nursing professionals, and a continuing decline in the purchasing power of government funding.

That’s why philanthropy is so important. And it’s the reason we are turning to the community to help us reach our campaign goal of $65 million.

We have already surpassed the $50 million mark through the support of private donors and our largest corporate sponsor, Highmark. Highmark’s commitment encompasses a broad range of initiatives including a $20 million investment in the Children’s Hospital building, a $5 million investment in clinical research for diseases such as cancer, and the study and enhancement of health and wellness programs.

I’d also like to recognize Peter Carlino, who serves as the campaign committee chair.  In addition to dedicating his time to this project, Peter has generously supported this campaign personally and through his company, Penn National Gaming. 

Two other people who have made an extraordinary commitment to the Children’s Hospital are Ed and Jeanne (JEAN-nee) Arnold.  In addition to serving on the campaign committee, Ed and Jeanne have recently committed two million dollars for the Children’s Hospital.

Finally, I want to recognize the THON commitment of $10 million dollars to the Children’s Hospital. THON’s total commitment to the Four Diamonds Fund topped $50 million dollars this year.

I am very proud of the lifesaving work that is being done every day at the Children’s Hospital, which is ranked as one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals in patient satisfaction. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated employees, experienced medical researchers and professionals, and an extraordinary volunteer base.

On behalf of Penn State, I appreciate the support that has brought us this far, and I encourage the entire community to join us in the Campaign for Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.

Now I'd like to introduce Dr. Craig Hillemeier, Vice Dean for Clinical Affairs, Penn State College of Medicine, Chair of Pediatrics, and Medical Director of the Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital.