The 36th annual Children’s Miracle Network Telethon benefitting Penn State Children’s Hospital will air Monday, Aug. 31 through Thursday, Sept. 3 on WGAL8. The event was rescheduled from June due to COVID-19.
Now a multi-day event, telethon segments highlighting stories of children who have received life-saving care at the Children’s Hospital will air throughout the week on WGAL’s regular programming followed by a finale special at 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 3. Gifts will support equipment, programs and research.
Guests in this year’s event will participate virtually. The telethon theme is #KidsCantWait. Local sick and injured children can’t wait for COVID-19 to be over. They continue to need Penn State Children’s Hospital now and Children’s Miracle Network continues to provide life-saving resources. A few of the children who will be featured include:
- 9-year-old Owen Zeager of Palmyra, who was born premature and survived a life-threatening infection. Owen designed this year’s telethon T-shirt, which will be given to donors who pledge $35 monthly. View a video about Owen.
- 2-year-old Stella Cannon of Reading, who was born with spina bifida and hydrocephalus. Stella’s mother, Sophie Cannon, filmed a video diary about Stella’s recent hospitalizations.
- 4-year-old Mya Beckner of Hanover, who recently underwent a procedure to remove her trach and continues to battle challenges related to her premature birth. View an article about Mya.
Telethon viewers will be encouraged to make a donation online this year at WGAL.com or CMNHershey.org. Due to COVID-19, there will be no phone bank this year, however donors who would like to give by phone may contact the CMN office at 717-531-6606 or mail their donation to CMN, P.O. Box 852, Hershey, PA 17033.