Shriners Children's Erie

02/24/2026

At Shriners Children’s Erie, our Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) team provides individualized care plans that may include physical therapy or a cranial remolding helmet. Our custom-fit helmets gently support healthy head growth, helping babies grow comfortably and confidently.

We’re also proud to offer specialized equipment like the STARScanner, a cutting-edge, non-invasive laser scanner that quickly and accurately captures cranial measurements for our tiniest patients.

✨ Why it matters:
💛 Less time scanning = more comfort for babies and families
💛 More precision = better fit and better outcomes
💛 High-tech + heartfelt care = the Shriners Children’s way

If you’ve noticed head flattening or your baby favors one side, our physical therapists and POPS orthotic specialists are here to provide a comprehensive evaluation. While some children may benefit from helmet care, many do not. Our team creates a plan that’s right for your little one.

We’re proud to bring ✨The Most Amazing✨ pediatric orthotic care and technology help your child thrive and reach their full potential.

02/23/2026

Straw drinking does more than hydrate, it helps strengthen oral and facial muscles, promote lip closure and encourage independence.

At Shriners Children’s Erie, our occupational therapy team, including occupational therapist Stephanie Mbouck, OTR/L, provides specialized care to support each child’s feeding skills and overall development. Families can expect a supportive, engaging and individualized experience from start to finish.

If you have concerns about your child’s development related to straw drinking or other feeding skills, please call 814-875-8800 to learn more.

02/20/2026

Flat spots on a baby’s head are more common than many parents realize and early care can make a big difference. 💖

At Shriners Children’s Erie, we offer individualized care plans that may include physical therapy or a cranial remolding helmet. Pediatric Orthotic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) provide custom-fit helmets to gently support healthy head growth.

If you’ve noticed head flattening or your baby favors one side, our POPS orthotic specialists are here to provide a comprehensive evaluation and personalized helmet care, helping your child grow comfortably and confidently.

02/19/2026

Thank you to all the incredible supporters of our 13th Annual Telethon!

Because of your generosity, we raised an amazing $41,835, surpassing our $30,000 goal! We could not have achieved this without your support.

We were especially proud to have our patient ambassadors, Ava and Savannah, in attendance, sharing their stories and representing the heart of our mission. Fezzy and so many dedicated Shriners supporters also joined us to make the day even more special.

Together, you are helping us provide life-changing care to the children and families we serve. Thank you for believing in our mission! 💛

02/18/2026

Meet Winter, a true fighter at just nine years old!

At six, a severe case of strep throat led to a condition that affected her muscles and nerves, making simple daily tasks like writing or brushing her hair a challenge. “She couldn’t straighten her elbows… I remember telling myself, ‘This might be it,’” shared her mom, Amber.

But Winter didn’t give up. With the support of Shriners Children’s Erie, she’s gradually regaining strength and range of motion. When she’s not in therapy, she’s just like any other kid, enjoying soccer, sled-riding and playing with her cats. 🐾

From struggling to give a thumbs up to now writing and brushing her hair independently, Winter’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. 💜

Her story was featured during Shriners Children’s Erie’s 13th annual Telethon last night, showing how community support truly changes lives.

Winter Wozniak was only six years old when a bad case of strep throat led to a complex condition impacting her muscles and nerves. After several treatments and skin graft surgery, Winter made it ho…

02/18/2026

🎉 The Mighty Otters are celebrating 30 years of sled hockey! Founded in 1996 by Shriners nurse Sue Birkmire, they brought this incredible sport to the U.S. for the first time and it’s grown into a Paralympic powerhouse. 🏒🥇

Chayse, a double amputee patient at Shriners Children’s Erie, has been part of Shriners programs like sled hockey and wheelchair basketball for years. From learning tricks to making lifelong friends, these programs are about more than sports. They boost confidence and create lasting memories.

“Just overall fun, meeting friends, making relationships with people,” Chayse said. 💜

Chayse’s inspiring journey was shared during Shriners Children’s Erie’s 13th annual Telethon last night, showing how your support truly changes lives! ✨

For decades, Shriners Children’s Erie has been committed to giving their patients the best care possible — that includes giving them the chance to stay active. Shriners offers programs …

02/18/2026

At just two years old, Allie faced a severe diagnosis of infantile scoliosis with a curve of nearly 100 degrees.

Thanks to the care she receives at Shriners Children’s Erie, Allie now has a bright future ahead. She is currently treated with growing rods that are gently adjusted every four months to keep pace with her growth, helping her stay active and thriving.

Allie’s inspiring journey was featured during Shriners Children’s Erie’s 13th annual Telethon last night, reminding us how support from our community changes lives every day. 💕

In the United States, 2% to 5% of children develop scoliosis, where the spine curves to make a “C” or “S” shape rather than grow in a straight line. Shriners has award-winni…

02/18/2026

Baby Brynlee was diagnosed with torticollis and through a thorough evaluation and our whole-child approach to care, our providers also identified asymptomatic hip dysplasia. Thanks to early detection, collaborative care and personalized treatment and therapy, Brynlee is now thriving. 💙

Her mom, Makayla, learned that torticollis and hip dysplasia are linked conditions that develop before birth. Because of this connection, babies diagnosed with torticollis are also screened for hip dysplasia using a hip ultrasound, helping ensure concerns are caught early and treated promptly.

💬 “The team at Shriners Children’s Erie calmed our fears, educated us and supported us every step of the way."
- Makayla, Brynlee's mother

👉 Read Brynlee’s full story here: https://ow.ly/LWSJ50YcfUh

02/17/2026

📣 Today is the day! 📣

The Shriners Children’s Erie Annual Telethon is happening today and we invite you to join us in supporting the mission of Shriners Children’s Erie. From 5–7 p.m., we’ll be sharing the inspiring stories of Allie, Chayse and Winter. You’ll see how specialized, compassionate pediatric care helps children heal, grow and thrive.

When you tune in and support the Telethon, you help make life-changing care possible for children and families who need it most. Your generosity helps kids gain independence, confidence and a brighter future.

Be part of something truly meaningful tonight. Tune in to JET/FOX/YourErie to watch the telethon and help change the lives of children.

02/16/2026

💛 Tomorrow is the day! 💛

The Shriners Children’s Erie Annual Telethon is tomorrow and we’re honored to share Winter’s powerful story. Tune in Tuesday, February 17, from 5–7 p.m. at Millcreek Mall to learn how Winter developed a severe condition after having strep throat that led to skin grafts and a long hospital stay.

See how the pediatric specialists at Shriners Children’s Erie are helping Winter regain her independence, functionality and confidence, supporting her every step of the way.

Her journey, along with Allie’s and Chayse’s stories, is inspiring, filled with hope and a powerful reminder of why this event matters so much. Tune in to JET/FOX/YourErie to watch the telethon and be part of an evening dedicated to making a difference for our patients and families. 💛

02/15/2026

⏰ It will be here before you know it!

The Shriners Children’s Erie Annual Telethon is this Tuesday, February 17. Join us as we come together to support Shriners Children’s Erie from 5–7 p.m. at Millcreek Mall.

When you tune in, you’ll hear the stories of Allie, Chayse and Winter and learn how Shriners Children’s Erie has been instrumental in their development—helping them grow, thrive and just be kids.

Tune in to JET/FOX/YourErie to watch the telethon and be part of an evening dedicated to making a difference for our patients and families. 💛

02/14/2026

This Valentine’s season, send your love, care and compassion where it matters most ❤️

Listen as David Schumacher, senior director of philanthropy, and Savannah, patient ambassador, share why the Shriners Children’s Erie Telethon is so important and how your support helps children and families receive The Most Amazing specialized pediatric care.

At Shriners Children’s, our mission is to treat all children regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status. We ensure every child receives the care they need to thrive.

Patient Ambassador Savannah has been working hard all year to make a difference, raising more than $7,000 in 2025 alone through her fundraising efforts. 💕

Join Savannah and so many others in spreading the love. Tune in and give during our telethon on Tuesday, February 17 from 5 to 7 p.m., and be part of something truly meaningful.