Services
And How You Can Help
Family Meals
“Each quarter, Hershey Hearts provides a meal to families whose children are currently being treated at Penn State Children’s Hospital. This meal gives parents a chance to talk to one of our members as well as other families in the hospital. Parents can ask questions, share their stories and hear the stories of our Hershey Hearts representative. The purpose of our family meals is to offer hope and understanding to families in this tragic time.”
Volunteer
Formed in 1996 in association with the Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital, Hershey Hearts is a support group for parents, siblings and other family members of children who have been touched by congenital heart disease.
Our group presently meets several times a year to provide support, advice and instruction for these families.
The group’s strength is drawn from the experiences of its members as well as the involvement of the physicians, nurses, technicians and social workers who provide care at the Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital.
Board Member positions are available for Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. These positions are open only to current Hershey Hearts members.
Board Member positions are available for Vice-President, Treasurer, and Secretary. These positions are open only to current Hershey Hearts members.
Volunteers are needed to help run Family Meals each quarter. Volunteer will provide a meal to patients’ families (you will be reimbursed by Hershey Hearts) and talk with parents and answer any questions they may have to the best of your ability.
“Volunteers are needed for a Fundraising/Event Committee. Members of this committee will plan, coordinate and execute fundraisers and events for Hershey Hearts. Attendance at monthly board meetings is not mandatory.”
Survival Kits
Hershey Hearts has a program that provides Survival Kits to families when their child is receiving treatment at Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital. These tote bags printed with the “heart in hand” design are filled with many items to help a family during what can be a very emotionally and financially stressful time. They are an important way for Hershey Hearts to support and help families of children with heart disease. Donations and sponsorships for the Survival Kits are always appreciated. Individuals may sponsor a bag for $20 which includes a filled tote bag, coupons for free meals in the hospital cafeteria and a note letting the recipient know who the donation was made in honor of.
Picnics
Each year, Hershey Hearts hosts a picnic for members and their families on the first Saturday in October at Hoffer Park in Middletown, PA. The pediatric cardiology staff from Penn State Hershey Children’s Hospital is invited as well. The annual picnic is a great way for children with congenital heart disease and their families to reunite with other families and meet new ones that share similar experiences. There’s food, games and other activities for everyone to enjoy.
Visitation Programs
Hershey Hearts has a program to provide support on a weekly basis to families who have a child receiving in-patient care through one-on-one visitation or telephone contact. Our volunteers are parents who also have a child with congenital heart disease. Families genuinely appreciate having someone that can relate to their struggles, lend a listening ear and provide words of encouragement. This program touches both the volunteers and the patients’ families with whom they visit. To meet with one of our volunteers, to become a volunteer or for more information about the visitation program, please send an email to [email protected]. A member will reply as soon as possible.
Links
Links that may help you …
Dedicated to supporting individuals and families
Adult Congenital Heart Association
The mission of the Adult Congenital Heart Association is to improve and extend the lives of the millions born with heart defects through education, advocacy and the promotion of research.
Children's Heart Group
Penn State Children's Heart Group
Penn State Children's Heart Group is a team of experienced pediatric cardiologists and pediatric and congenital heart surgeons within Penn State Children's Hospital.
KEEPING FAMILIES CLOSE®
The Ronald McDonald House®
RMHC of Central PA gives a family with a sick child what they need most — each other.
The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF)
The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF)
The Children’s Heart Foundation (CHF) represents approximately two million American children and adults as well as 65 million children and adults worldwide who are afflicted with Congenital Heart Disease (CHD).
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“Our aim is to strengthen families during their long journey from despair to hope.”