Shriners Children's Erie

04/11/2026

🎉 It is National Patient Access Week! 🎉

This week we’re recognizing our incredible patient access team, along with our amazing therapy schedulers and Pediatric Orthoptic and Prosthetic Services (POPS) scheduler staff, for the vital role they play every day.

Often the first point of connection for patients and families, this team sets the tone for the entire care experience. From welcoming voices on the phone to seamless scheduling and behind‑the‑scenes coordination, they combine efficiency and compassion to make patients feel supported from the very start.

Whether navigating complex schedules, handling insurance details or supporting families during stressful moments, they consistently go above and beyond.

A heartfelt thank‑you to Brenda, Chris H. and Erin from our therapy scheduling team, Danita, Kim, Kris, Lynne, Sandy and Selena representing POPS (not pictured). Your dedication, professionalism and empathy make a lasting impact across all departments and most importantly, for the patients and families we serve. 💙

04/10/2026

April 10 is National Siblings' Day, a day to celebrate the special bond between brothers and sisters.

Faith, a Shriners Children’s Erie patient ambassador, is supported every day by her incredible siblings: her twin sister Hope, her older sister Bailey and her older brother Brian Jr. We asked them to share why they believe their sister Faith is so strong and here’s what they had to say:

"My sister Faith is strong because she can do so much while living with cerebral palsy. I know I wouldn’t even be able to get out of bed if I were in her shoes," said Hope.

"My sister Faith perseveres through all the obstacles life throws at her," said Bailey.

"My sister Faith teaches the rest of us what real strength looks like. Her faith isn’t loud or flashy; it’s the quiet, unbreakable kind that turns every challenge into purpose and every limitation into a reason to keep pushing. That’s why her faith is so strong—because she chooses to persevere when it would be easier to give up, and to love when the world feels heavy. She doesn’t just have faith; she lives it. And in doing so, she lifts everyone around her," said Brian Jr..

On National Siblings' Day, we celebrate the love, strength and support that make families like Faith’s so special. 💙

04/09/2026

We are pleased to share that Terrance Ishmael, MD, will now travel from Shriners Children’s Philadelphia to Shriners Children’s Erie. This expanded presence brings specialized expertise closer to families in our region, supporting coordinated, high‑quality care here in Erie, reducing the need to travel for appointments and ensuring children continue to receive comprehensive care.

Dr. Ishmael’s clinical interests include complex spinal conditions, clubfoot, general pediatric orthopedics, fracture care and neuromuscular conditions. He is deeply committed to the mission of Shriners Children’s and also participates in surgical mission work throughout the Caribbean, helping provide life‑changing orthopedic care to children in underserved communities.

Outside of work, Dr. Ishmael enjoys spending time with his wife, Suneetha, and their son, Kai.

Please join us in welcoming Terrance Ishmael, MD, to Shriners Children’s Erie.

04/08/2026

In honor of National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we’re proud to spotlight one of our newest Patient Ambassadors, Chayse,a remarkable young person who embodies resilience, confidence and possibility.

Chayse’s connection to Shriners Children’s Erie began even before he was born. While eight months pregnant, his mom, Alicia, had her first appointment with our care team. From that moment on, Chayse has been part of the Shriners Children’s Erie family.

Diagnosed prenatally with amniotic band syndrome, Chayse is a double amputee but that has never slowed him down. Living by his motto, “No legs, no problem,” Chayse approaches life with determination, confidence and a whole lot of heart. His story is a powerful reminder that limb difference does not define limitations.

An accomplished athlete, Chayse thrives in adaptive sports. He plays wheelchair basketball with the Shriners Jammers and competes on the ice with the Mighty Otters sled hockey team, dominating both the court and the rink. When he’s not competing, Chayse enjoys swimming and gaming.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Chayse is a natural leader and mentor, always encouraging younger teammates and setting an example through his positivity and perseverance. His outgoing personality shines wherever he goes. He’s friendly, outspoken, and never shy about striking up a conversation. In fact, he recently made a new friend right in the Shriners Children’s Erie waiting room.

This National Limb Loss and Limb Difference Awareness Month, we are proud to welcome Chayse as a patient ambassador and celebrate his story, one that inspires others, challenges assumptions and highlights what’s possible with confidence, community and support.

🧡We can’t wait to see how Chayse continues to inspire others.

04/07/2026

On Friday, March 27, we were incredibly thankful to Tracy, Kimberly and Nicole for bringing joy to our patients at Shriners Children’s Erie with so many beautiful Easter baskets filled with fun toys and activities kids are sure to enjoy. These thoughtful gifts were donated in loving memory of Elias Garrett through the Easter for Eli organization.

Easter for Eli honors Eli’s legacy by spreading smiles to children nationwide each Easter through special baskets and gifts. We are truly grateful to be part of this meaningful tradition.

Thank you, Tracy, Kimberly and Nicole for your generosity, compassion and for continuing to share Eli’s light with our patients and families. 💛🐣

04/06/2026

We are pleased to announce that Richard Goldberg, DO, will be traveling from Shriners Children’s Philadelphia to Shriners Children’s Erie to support our Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation (PM&R) Clinic. His involvement helps us provide coordinated, high‑quality care right here in Erie, bringing specialty services closer to home for families and reducing the need to travel for appointments, while ensuring children continue to receive the comprehensive care they need.

Goldberg has over 30 years of experience and brings extensive clinical expertise and leadership that are a valuable asset to our care teams and patients.

“This is always where I wanted to end up – devoting my time to children,” said Goldberg, speaking about his career in orthopedics and why he joined the team at Shriners Children’s. “The mission statement is outstanding.”

Outside of his professional work, Goldberg enjoys spending time with his wife, including taking long walks together in local parks. He is the proud father of three adult children, an attorney, a teacher and a physician assistant—and looks forward to welcoming grandchildren in the future.

Please join us in welcoming Richard Goldberg, DO, to Shriners Children’s Erie.

04/04/2026

Spring smiles delivered! 🌸🐰

A special thank-you to the ladies of Daughters of the Nile Foundation Page Athor Temple No. 19 for their annual Easter basket distribution. These thoughtful gifts bring excitement and comfort to our patients and families each spring. Your compassion and support never go unnoticed we are so grateful for your continued generosity!

04/03/2026

Diagnosed before birth with arthrogryposis multiplex congenita, Ana’s journey began with many unknowns. Born at 39 weeks and after a brief NICU stay, she was referred to Shriners Children’s Erie for specialized, coordinated care.

At just 11 days old, Ana began treatment for clubfoot, followed by physical and occupational therapy with Teresa Emerson, PT and Allie Blatt, OTR/L, to support her strength, movement and development. Today, Ana is reaching meaningful milestones, showing improved head control, increased mobility and growing independence through play.

With ongoing care from dedicated teams at Shriners Children’s Erie and Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, with Sarah Nossov, MD and Dan Zlotolow, MD, Ana continues to find adaptive ways to move, explore and thrive, surrounded by support every step of the way.

💛 Read Ana’s full story below:
https://ow.ly/rVbe50YBc1k

04/01/2026

Savannah’s impact is truly inspiring. 💚 Through her bravery and determination, she helped spark real momentum for change, Senate Bill 1234 is now on the table to improve scoliosis screenings for Pennsylvania students.

Her advocacy is paving the way for earlier detection and better outcomes for so many kids. Let’s stand behind Savannah’s efforts by contacting our local legislators and encouraging them to co‑sponsor SB 1234. One voice can start big change and Savannah proved it.

If you would like to support Savannah and her mission
👉 Reach out to your local representative
👉 Ask them to co‑sponsor Senate Bill 1234
Click below to find your legislator:
https://www.palegis.us/find-my-legislator

We are so proud of Savannah. 💚

Because of her courage, voice, and advocacy, Senate Bill 1234 has been introduced in Pennsylvania to support earlier scoliosis screenings in schools.

Savannah is making a real difference—not just for herself, but for so many kids who will be helped because of this.

Pennsylvania families:
👉 Reach out to your local representative
👉 Ask them to co-sponsor Senate Bill 1234

Click below to find your legislator!

https://www.palegis.us/find-my-legislator

Let’s support Savannah and continue the impact she started.

04/01/2026

A heartfelt thank-you to Maurice Troop for presenting a $1,000 donation in support of Shriners Children’s Erie. These funds were raised during the Valentine’s Day Dinner and Dance held at the Siebenbuerger Club, featuring live music by Reminiscent Band and The Breeze Band We appreciate Maurice’s generosity and commitment to helping children in our community. 💙

03/31/2026

Your pickleball game can make a difference! Join Shriners Children’s and The APP this
April by taking part in the Pickleball Virtual Challenge presented by Exploria Resorts Every
rally helps provide pediatric specialty care for children, ensuring treatment is available to
all families, regardless of their ability to pay or insurance status.

Practice your skills solo, play in a league, or participate in a tournament. Just as Shriners
Children’s delivers personalized care tailored to each child’s needs, you can make the
Pickleball Virtual Challenge your own.

Register today to make every serve count:
https://donate.shrinerschildrens.org/aprilpickleballvirtualchallenge

03/30/2026

On National Doctors' Day, we proudly honor the remarkable physicians of Shriners Children’s. Your dedication, expertise and kindness make an extraordinary impact on every child and family you treat. Thank you for your unwavering commitment. 💙