Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center

09/25/2025

Behind every patient story is a care team dedicated to making a difference. For Amanda, who faced a brain tumor diagnosis, that included Dr. Brad Zacharia, neurosurgeon at Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center.

For more than a decade, Dr. Zacharia has built a multidisciplinary team focused on advancing brain tumor care — combining expertise, compassion and research from Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine to improve outcomes for patients like Amanda.

It’s one example of how breakthrough medicine powered by Penn State is transforming patient-centered brain tumor care.

💙 Read Dr. Zacharia’s story: https://bit.ly/3W7ZfHz

09/25/2025

Hyundai Hope On Wheels brought hope to Penn State Health Children's Hospital 💛

Dr. Giselle Sholler, division chief of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, received a $400,000 Scholar Hope Grant to advance pediatric cancer research at Penn State College of Medicine.

The grant was presented alongside a handprint ceremony, where children receiving treatment for pediatric cancer at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital added their painted handprints to a white Hyundai vehicle — a powerful symbol of hope and solidarity in the fight against childhood cancer.

Since 2011, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine have received more than $3 million in support from Hyundai Hope On Wheels.

09/24/2025

🏅 Nurses from Penn State Health Hampden and Holy Spirit medical centers took home first and second place at this year’s Neuro Games at Encompass Health in Mechanicsburg.

The competition puts teams through timed challenges that simulate stroke-related deficits — from navigating a wheelchair with one-sided weakness to dressing a patient with expressive aphasia. These exercises highlight the ongoing challenges stroke survivors face and the vital role acute rehabilitation plays in recovery.

Our nurses demonstrated outstanding skill, speed and teamwork, proudly representing their medical centers and showcasing the dedication they bring to stroke care every day.

09/23/2025

For Amanda Rinehart of York, every breakthrough means more than advanced treatment — it means more moments, more hope, more life ahead.

First diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 17, Amanda has endured multiple surgeries, rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. When her tumor kept returning, she turned to Penn State Health for new answers.

Her care, guided by experts at Penn State Health and informed by the latest research from Penn State College of Medicine, gave her access to advanced therapies like GammaTile — a breakthrough treatment that targets tumors directly while protecting healthy brain tissue. After years of setbacks, Amanda finally has renewed optimism about the future.

“I’m really grateful that Penn State Health is always pushing for new breakthroughs,” she said. “I’m not ready for my story to end.”

Breakthrough medicine. Powered by Penn State: https://bit.ly/426vJ8C

09/23/2025

For Amanda Rinehart of York, every breakthrough means more than advanced treatment — it means more moments, more hope, more life ahead.

First diagnosed with a brain tumor at just 17, Amanda has endured multiple surgeries, rounds of radiation and chemotherapy. When her tumor kept returning, she turned to Penn State Health for new answers.

Her care, guided by experts at Penn State Health and informed by the latest research from Penn State College of Medicine, gave her access to advanced therapies like GammaTile — a breakthrough treatment that targets tumors directly while protecting healthy brain tissue. After years of setbacks, Amanda finally has renewed optimism about the future.

“I’m really grateful that Penn State Health is always pushing for new breakthroughs,” she said. “I’m not ready for my story to end.”

Breakthrough medicine. Powered by Penn State: https://bit.ly/426vJ8C

09/22/2025

September is Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month. A painless lump in the neck may not seem serious — but it could be thyroid cancer.

When 54-year-old Tom Murphy came to Penn State Health Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, he learned his cough wasn’t the problem — a lump in his thyroid was.

In this week’s Medical Minute, Dr. Emily Funk explains the symptoms you shouldn’t ignore and why early detection makes all the difference.

➡️ Read more: https://bit.ly/3KjxqJH

09/20/2025

🎉 Penn State Health celebrated National Environmental Health Services Week with a carnival to thank our teams for keeping our hospitals clean, safe and welcoming for patients, families and staff. We’re grateful for their dedication every day.

09/19/2025

Breakthrough Medicine, Powered by Penn State: Amanda’s Story

After years of fighting a recurring brain tumor, Amanda Rinehart of York turned to Penn State Health for hope and answers. Her care team brought together specialists across neurosurgery, oncology and radiation to deliver the latest innovations — including GammaTile therapy, a breakthrough treatment that targets tumors directly while protecting healthy tissue.

Amanda’s journey reflects the power of collaboration, advanced technology and breakthrough medicine powered by Penn State.

🎥 Watch her 60-second story.

09/18/2025

💃🕺 Earlier this week, Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center employees laced up their dancing shoes for a heart-healthy line dancing event.

Led by Dance with Heidi and supported by the American Heart Association, staff learned new moves, got their hearts pumping, and raised awareness about cardiovascular health.

❤️ Thank you to everyone who joined us on the dance floor!

09/17/2025

☀️ From treatment to triumphs ☀️

Ford was diagnosed at 2 with neuroblastoma and faced multiple relapses. Thanks to DFMO — a breakthrough drug developed through the research of Dr. Giselle Sholler and clinical trials through Research: Beat Childhood Cancer — Dr. Sholler, his physician at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, helped guide his treatment every step of the way. DFMO is the first treatment shown to help prevent relapse in children with otherwise incurable neuroblastoma.

This summer, Ford soaked up the sunshine on a Florida vacation with his parents and four siblings. Now back in school and looking strong, he and his family are celebrating each step forward with excitement. 💛

Ford’s journey shows how the collaboration of Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine turns research and clinical trials into life-changing care — a true example of how breakthrough medicine and the power of Penn State can transform lives.

09/17/2025

☀️ From treatment to triumphs ☀️

Ford was diagnosed at 2 with neuroblastoma and faced multiple relapses. Thanks to DFMO — a breakthrough drug developed through the research of Dr. Giselle Sholler and clinical trials through Research: Beat Childhood Cancer — Dr. Sholler, his physician at Penn State Health Children's Hospital, helped guide his treatment every step of the way. DFMO is the first treatment shown to help prevent relapse in children with otherwise incurable neuroblastoma.

This summer, Ford soaked up the sunshine on a Florida vacation with his parents and four siblings. Now back in school and looking strong, he and his family are celebrating each step forward with excitement. 💛

Ford’s journey shows how the collaboration of Penn State Health and Penn State College of Medicine turns research and clinical trials into life-changing care — a true example of how breakthrough medicine and the power of Penn State can transform lives.

09/16/2025

Every heartbeat is a gift ❤️

Yesterday, heart transplant recipients returned to Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, reuniting with the very team that gave them a second chance at life. Some have been living with their new hearts for decades, others just months, but each story reflects the hope made possible by 41 years of transplants.

09/15/2025

🏈 From hospital halls to high fives with Penn State Football 🏈

In May, 11-year-old Cameron Wamsher, who survived a severe trauma after being hit by a car three years ago, got a special surprise at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. Expecting a press conference about his recovery, Cameron was thrilled when Head Coach James Franklin walked in with a jersey and signed football — and he spent the afternoon playing, laughing, and making memories with members of the Penn State football team.

Cameron’s journey — from critical care and specialized trauma treatment provided by Penn State Health and guided by the expertise and research of Penn State College of Medicine — shows how our teams combine advanced medicine with compassionate care to help patients not just survive, but thrive. 💙

Discover how our breakthroughs in medicine — and the power of Penn State — benefit you.

09/15/2025

🏈 From hospital halls to high fives with Penn State Football 🏈

In May, 11-year-old Cameron Wamsher, who survived a severe trauma after being hit by a car three years ago, got a special surprise at Penn State Health Children's Hospital. Expecting a press conference about his recovery, Cameron was thrilled when Head Coach James Franklin walked in with a jersey and signed football — and he spent the afternoon playing, laughing, and making memories with members of the Penn State football team.

Cameron’s journey — from critical care and specialized trauma treatment provided by Penn State Health and guided by the expertise and research of Penn State College of Medicine — shows how our teams combine advanced medicine with compassionate care to help patients not just survive, but thrive. 💙

Discover how our breakthroughs in medicine — and the power of Penn State — benefit you.

09/15/2025

The Capital Region Heart Walk is about more than steps — it’s about stories. We’re honored that Bob, our 461st heart transplant patient, will be walking alongside survivors, families and supporters in Harrisburg to raise awareness and celebrate the gift of life. ❤️

📞 "We have a heart. Can you get here by midnight?" It's a phone call that Bob Stephens had been waiting to receive for nearly two years. He woke up his wife, packed a bag and rushed to Penn State Health where he became their 461st heart transplant patient. It was the start of a new chapter, one that is dedicated to helping other heart patients persevere through their treatment journey and inspiring more people to become organ donors. We invite you to join us as Bob shares his story and walks with hundreds of other local survivors, families and supporters at the Capital Region Heart Walk on Thursday, September 18th at Harrisburg's City Island. Learn more, link in comments.

09/13/2025

Thank you for your support, Stephen! 👏

09/12/2025

After a serious car accident, Cameron was airlifted to the only Level I pediatric trauma center between Pittsburgh and Philadelphia — Penn State Health Children's Hospital.

He arrived with severe injuries to his skull, brain and internal organs. Thanks to a coordinated team of trauma surgeons, neurospecialists, pediatric ICU staff and therapists, Cameron received the specialized care he needed to survive and recover.

Today, he’s back on the field playing the sports he loves — a testament to how breakthroughs in medicine and the power of Penn State can turn critical moments into hope and healing.

Penn State Health brings advanced treatments, research and clinical expertise to central Pennsylvania, ensuring patients like Cameron have access to world-class care close to home.

09/08/2025

🎗️ September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and Ford’s story highlights the hope that research and innovative treatments bring to children facing this disease.

At just 2 ½ years old, Ford was diagnosed with one of the most aggressive forms of pediatric cancer. His treatment journey took him from his home in Pittsburgh to a major cancer center in New York before his family turned to Dr. Giselle Sholler at Penn State Health Children's Hospital for advanced care.

Thanks to clinical trials and research led at Penn State Health Children’s Hospital and Penn State College of Medicine, Ford now has access to a new therapy designed to prevent relapse in high-risk neuroblastoma — giving him hope for the future while he continues to live life as normally as possible.

🎥 Watch Ford’s story and discover how breakthroughs in medicine and the power of Penn State are helping children like him fight cancer.

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day! Today we thank the dedicated staff at Penn State Health Holy Spirit Medical Center whose commitment makes a difference for our patients, families and communities every day. Wishing you a safe and enjoyable holiday.

08/29/2025

Penn State Health Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery is now offering an enhanced option for sleep apnea care for people who can’t tolerate or benefit from CPAP. Led by Dr. Neerav Goyal, our team recently became the first in central Pennsylvania to provide the Inspire V implant — an advancement of the Inspire device previously offered at Penn State Health, with the first procedure recently performed at Penn State Health Holy Spirit.

This newest version allows for a faster surgery, less postoperative pain and a quicker recovery, helping more patients breathe easier and sleep better.

08/22/2025

Cancer survivor bats a thousand ⚾

Emily “Corky” Short, a three-time breast cancer survivor cared for at Penn State Health Medical Group – Andrews Patel Hematology/Oncology, was the special guest to throw out the first pitch at the Harrisburg Senators’ East Shore vs. West Shore game.

Penn State Health sponsored the August 8 fireworks night at FNB Field, where staff from Andrews Patel, Century Drive Breast Cancer, and Holy Spirit Cancer Center Radiation Oncology handed out rally towels and shared information about cancer care.

This October, the new Penn State Health Cancer Center at Hampden Medical Center will open, offering expert care from medical and radiation oncologists, dedicated nurses, nutritionists, and therapists — all part of a university-affiliated system providing access to cutting-edge treatments and clinical trials.

08/20/2025

Flags of Honor brought nearly 700 American flags to Penn State Health hospitals this summer — including Holy Spirit Medical Center.

By honoring veterans and service members, our community also raised funds to support Holy Spirit Medical Center’s greatest needs, helping us continue providing exceptional care to patients and families.