Patient Stories

Storytelling is a powerful way to connect and inspire, so each story is framed in a fresh, creative way. The goal is to celebrate the people behind the care and the progress we’re making. After all, it’s stories like these that drive our purpose.

Giving back with heart

Adult congenital heart patient gives back as Camp Lionheart volunteer.

Don Shanebrook, an adult congenital heart patient, shares his experiences with Olly Murphy, a Camp Lionheart participant.

A second chance at motherhood

State College mom welcomes son with support of Cardio-Obstetrics Program

Emily is lying in a hospital bed wearing a surgical gown and hair cover, giving two thumbs up. Hospital equipment is visible in the background.

Breakthrough brain tumor treatment gives woman hope for the future

York woman finds hope in breakthrough brain tumor treatment

A painted image of Amanda Rinehart holding a bouquet of flowers.

Courage, care and a community behind her

A family turns to Penn State Health Children’s Hospital when their six-year-old daughter is diagnosed with leukemia.

Penelope Ciancaglini walks the runway during a THON™ fashion show while students cheer her on.

A boy who beat the odds through expert care

Cameron’s life was changed after a tragic car accident, but thanks to the expert care provided at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and powered by Penn State College of Medicine, he is back to playing the sports he loves.

Young male with a big smile on his face sitting at a table drawing.

Breakthrough treatment offers hope

Ford was your typical toddler – until he was diagnosed with a rare cancer. Fortunately, Ford's family found Giselle Sholler, MD, who discovered the only drug to treat his cancer, making the trip from Pittsburgh to Hershey worth every mile.

Young male with a big smile on his face playing with toys.

Australia’s Jack family finds hope for son’s neuroblastoma in Hershey

Search for cure leads family to Penn State Health Children's Hospital.

A boy wearing a knit cap with a pom-pom looks at a monitor while holding the controller for a gaming device. A tube is taped to his cheek. Behind him, a table and chairs sit in front of a wall of cabinets.

A global quest for hope

Cancer drug trial helps Ava live a better life.

A man wearing glasses leans over the back of a chair while looking at woman kiss a little girl’s cheek. A window and monitor are visible in the background.

Groundbreaking neuroblastoma treatment leads family to Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital

New drug reduces the chance of relapse in high-risk patients.

A woman and man kneel on either side of a young boy in the front yard of a house. The woman wears a t-shirt and jeans with a hole in the knee. She has sunglasses on her head. The man wears a long-sleeved shirt, pants and glasses. The boy wears a short-sleeved shirt and shorts.

How Noah faces cancer care with family support

When your son has cancer: Support helps the family stay positive.

A young boy smiles while standing behind a backyard water slide. In the background, a box of toys and a children’s basketball hoop sit on the porch in front of a home. The door and windows are visible.