Giant to fund 3D heart printing at Penn State Children's Hospital

HERSHEY, Pa. — A 3D heart model printing program for patients with congenital heart disease at Penn State Children’s Hospital has received support from a gift of $280,000 to Children’s Miracle Network from Giant Food Stores in honor of Giant's 95th anniversary celebration.

The announcement was held in tandem with Giant’s annual lunch for patients and their families at the Children’s Hospital. In addition, seven pediatric heart patients and their families attended to share their stories and celebrate the announcement.

Since 2015, the Children’s Hospital’s cardiology team has used 3D printing to create heart models for the most complex patients prior to surgery to help improve their understanding of the patient’s anatomy and make decisions about surgical approaches. This initial project was made possible through a grant provided by Children’s Miracle Network. With additional funding provided by Giant, the program can harness improved technology and expand to treat additional heart patients.

“This technology enhances our ability to plan our most complex surgeries, teach our students and physicians in training and improve our ability to counsel families in a meaningful and compassionate way,” said Dr. Robert Tunks, a pediatric cardiologist at Penn State Children’s Hospital. “With this gift as a significant starting point, we aim to make Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center a leading Applied Research Center for Medical Additive Manufacturing. Thank you, Giant, for this wonderful gift.”

In addition to this gift, Giant Food Stores and the Giant Family Foundation donates more than $700,000 annually to Children’s Miracle Network at Penn State Children’s Hospital to fund family-centered programs, equipment and research. The funds are raised through in-store icon campaigns and a golf outing.