Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital has announced Izzy Rivera (a Wernersville resident) as its 2026 Miracle Champion. Izzy’s story highlights how donor generosity provides children with lifesaving medical care and vital family support programs.
At six months old, Izzy was airlifted from her local emergency department to Golisano Children’s Hospital in Hershey after her parents noticed she was struggling to breathe during feedings. Shortly after arrival, she went into cardiac arrest and was revived after seven minutes of CPR. To support her failing heart and lungs, doctors placed Izzy on an ECMO machine, a critical, donor-funded technology that temporarily takes over the work of the heart and lungs for patients in critical condition. Within 24 hours, she underwent lifesaving open-heart surgery for a rare congenital heart defect. After a month in the pediatric intensive care unit, Izzy returned home with her family on Christmas Eve.
Several years later, Izzy faced another medical emergency when an unrelated illness quickly became life-threatening. A severe infection led to a seizure and emergency brain surgery. Throughout her medical journey, her parents encouraged her with a simple reminder: “You are brave. You are strong.”
During both hospital stays, programs funded by CMN provided crucial support. Meal vouchers from the Patient Assistance Endowment helped Izzy’s mother stay nourished while remaining at her daughter’s side. Music therapy and Child Life services provided comfort and moments of joy, and visits from facility dogs lifted Izzy’s spirits. The Hummingbird Program guided her parents through complex decisions while ensuring their family remained central to her care.
“Izzy’s journey shows what’s possible when a community comes together to support children and families,” said Katie Anderson, director of CMN at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Because of our generous donors, kids like Izzy have access to lifesaving technology like ECMO, along with compassionate programs that support families through the most challenging moments. Her story reminds us that every gift truly makes a difference.”
Today, Izzy is thriving. She enjoys dancing, cheer, and attending school — milestones her family credits to the care, technology, and donor support that helped give her the gift of growing up.
Champions are patient ambassadors for Children’s Miracle Network, representing the millions of kids treated at children’s hospitals across the U.S. and Canada each year. Through their stories, Champions bring our mission to life — showing how community generosity fuels care, innovation, and hope. By sharing their experiences, Champions inspire others to join our movement — all together, for all kids. Stories like Izzy’s are made possible by donors who support Golisano Children’s Hospital, providing lifesaving care, comfort, and resources for children and families in need.
Since it began locally in 1984, CMN has raised more than $100 million for Golisano Children’s Hospital. Visit www.cmnhershey.org to support more children like Izzy.
