Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center

25/02/2026

At Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital, Wednesday means Bingo. ✨

For patients like Delaney, it’s more than just a game — it’s a chance to smile, stay engaged and feel like a kid during cancer treatment.

Through the hospital’s Child Life program, children and families receive support throughout their care journey, helping them navigate uncertainty and anxiety while creating moments of normalcy along the way. That care is made possible through Four Diamonds and the generosity of the Penn State THON community.

Because of this support, moments like Bingo are part of healing.

Read more about Delaney’s story and how Four Diamonds supports families like hers: https://bit.ly/46ZslyL

24/02/2026

🫀 Your heart and your mind are more connected than you may think.

Heart rhythm issues can sometimes feel like anxiety. Anxiety can sometimes feel like heart trouble. And because symptoms like palpitations, dizziness and shortness of breath overlap, it can be hard to tell the difference.

According to Dr. Safwat Gassis of the Penn State Heart and Vascular Institute, proper evaluation is key.

⚠️ Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing? Seek emergency care right away.
📊 Experiencing milder fluttering or palpitations? Track patterns and talk with your physician.

Addressing heart health and mental health together — through clear treatment plans and healthy habits — can significantly improve overall well-being.

Explore our latest Medical Minute for more insight: https://bit.ly/4tHLFdA

23/02/2026

🎉💙 A record-breaking weekend For The Kids.

Penn State THON 2026 raised an incredible $18,841,726.53 for Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital — surpassing last year’s total by more than $1.1 million.

For 46 hours, more than 700 student dancers stood without sitting or sleeping at the Bryce Jordan Center, representing months of fundraising and unwavering commitment to children and families facing pediatric cancer.

As the world’s largest student-run philanthropy, THON funds critical pediatric cancer research and provides emotional and financial support to Four Diamonds families — ensuring families can focus on their child’s care, not medical bills.

Since 1977, THON has raised more than $272 million in support of Four Diamonds.

We are deeply grateful to every dancer, volunteer, donor and supporter who made this historic total possible. 🫶

22/02/2026

🫶

The total for THON 2026 Love Leads Forward is $18,841,727.53

22/02/2026

🔔 What a week for Jonus.

Earlier this week, Jonus — a Four Diamonds child — rang the bell at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital, marking the end of his cancer treatment.

This weekend, he’s celebrating that incredible milestone at Penn State THON inside the Bryce Jordan Center, surrounded by thousands of dancers and supporters who stand For The Kids.

Moments like this are why THON matters. Funds raised support Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children’s Hospital, providing emotional and financial assistance to families and helping advance research toward a cure.

As we head into the final hours of THON Weekend, stories like Jonus’ remind us what this community makes possible. 🫶

📺 Watch live at thon.org/livestream
🎗️ Grand total reveal later this afternoon

22/02/2026

💙 Day 2 of THON Weekend brought powerful moments of generosity, joy and inspiration.

From students making hair donations live on the floor, to a heartwarming Kids Talent Show and an energizing pep rally at the Bryce Jordan Center, Saturday was filled with reminders of why this community comes together For The Kids.

Beyond the main stage, the THON Explorers Program created meaningful moments for Four Diamonds families. Through this special initiative, children battling — or who have battled — cancer and their loved ones were invited to take part in uplifting experiences outside the Bryce Jordan Center, offering space for connection, celebration and a chance to simply enjoy being together.

Funds raised through Penn State THON directly support Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital, providing emotional and financial assistance to families and advancing research toward a cure.

Now, as dancers enter the final hours of this 46-hour marathon, all eyes turn toward the grand total reveal later today.

📺 Watch live at thon.org/livestream
🎗️ Grand total reveal Sunday late afternoon
➡️ Donate or learn more at donate.thon.org

21/02/2026

✨ Day 1 of THON Weekend is in the books!

The 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon officially began at the Bryce Jordan Center, marking the culmination of months of fundraising and awareness led by Penn State students in support of children and families impacted by childhood cancer.

Thousands of student dancers took their places on the floor Friday, joined by volunteers, alumni and Four Diamonds families in a powerful show of commitment and community.

Through Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital, funds raised during THON provide emotional and financial support to families and help advance innovative research toward a cure — allowing families to focus on their child’s care, not medical bills.

🎶 The energy soared with a live performance from Fitz and the Tantrums, setting the tone for a weekend filled with purpose and momentum.

📺 Watch live at thon.org/livestream
🎗️ Follow along for the grand total reveal Sunday late afternoon
➡️ Donate or learn more at donate.thon.org

And they’re just getting started. 💙

20/02/2026

🎗️ What is Penn State THON — and how can you take part?

THON Weekend runs from Friday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 22. The 46-hour, no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon is led by Penn State students and represents the culmination of yearlong fundraising efforts supporting children and families impacted by childhood cancer.

Funds raised through THON directly support Four Diamonds at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital. Four Diamonds provides emotional and financial support to families facing pediatric cancer and helps fund innovative research toward a cure — so families can focus on their child, not medical bills.

📽️ Watch live at thon.org/livestream
📺 Tune in to WGAL’s THON Special tonight at 7 p.m.
🎉 Follow along for the grand total reveal Sunday late afternoon
➡️ Donate or learn more at donate.thon.org

Last year, THON raised a record-breaking $17,737,040.93. Will this year set a new record?

20/02/2026

💙💛 Today, the dancing begins.

But the impact is felt every day at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital.

As Penn State THON weekend gets underway, our patients, families and care team are sharing their thanks to the dancers, volunteers and Four Diamonds for the care and support they help provide every day.

Add your message of support below and learn how to get involved at donate.thon.org. 🫶

20/02/2026

💙💛 From dance lessons to superhero capes, THON Spirit Week at Penn State Health Golisano Children's Hospital is bringing energy and joy to our patients and families.

Throughout the week, Penn State students have spent time at the hospital — with Penn State THON Dancer Relations Captains teaching the official THON dance, Ellie (Drum Major) and Mackenzie (Blue Sapphire twirler) visiting patients in clinic, leading Bingo on CCTV and handing out special prizes.

Patients also celebrated Superhero Day with THON students reading Puppy Pages via CCTV, followed by cape- and mask-making in the lobby — a reflection of the strength and resilience our patients show every day.

We’re grateful for the students, donors and volunteers who make these moments possible, and for our continued partnership with Four Diamonds that supports the programs and people who care for our patients. 🫶

19/02/2026

Even on the hardest days, Elliot says “thank you.” 💙

This 5-year-old from Cumberland County is facing pediatric cancer with courage — and inspiring his care team along the way. Because of Four Diamonds, his family can focus on what matters most: his fight and his future.

As Penn State THON weekend begins, we’re grateful for the students, donors and community members who make stories like Elliot’s possible:

Elliot Kelley has spent the past year battling pediatric cancer with financial help from Four Diamonds.

18/02/2026

🚁 One more look at a meaningful moment — Randy Emery’s final Life Lion flight last week.

After 26 years of service, pilot Randy Emery leaves behind a legacy of leadership, mentorship and dedication to safety, flying countless missions that helped connect patients across our region to lifesaving care.

Thank you, Randy, for your extraordinary service to Life Lion and the communities we serve. Wishing you blue skies and calm winds in this next chapter. 💙

26/12/2025

Due to inclement weather, Penn State Health has modified some operations for Friday, Dec. 26. A detailed list of clinical locations that have either modified their hours or closed can be found at https://bit.ly/3NjXp5a

25/12/2025

Happy Holidays from Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center! 🎄

We are deeply grateful to our community members, community partners, volunteers and employees who have brightened the days of patients, staff and visitors at Penn State Health locations throughout the region this holiday season. Your visits, kind gestures, generosity, donations and thoughtful acts have delivered joy and warmth to so many.

From spreading cheer in patient rooms to supporting our caregivers behind the scenes, your contributions embody the true spirit of the season and make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

From all of us at Penn State Health, we wish you a joyful and peaceful holiday and a New Year filled with health, hope and connection. 💙

24/12/2025

🎅 The Breidegam Family Birthing Center at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center had a special visitor Dec. 23! Santa Claus greeted our newest babies and their families. Here, he cradles day-old Annie Wolfskill.

✨ Wishing all our families and friends a season filled with joy, peace and love

23/12/2025

🎄 Holiday Hours Notice 🎄

All Penn State Health Medical Group and Outpatient locations will close at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 24 and Wednesday, Dec. 31. They will be closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.

Our Urgent Care locations will close at 4 p.m. on Dec. 24 and Dec. 31 and will also be closed on Christmas Day.

Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center will remain open 24/7 throughout the holidays.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season! ✨

22/12/2025

🎅 When Dr. Daniel Lodge, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center, took his 7-year-old son Sasha to Grings Mill Dec. 13 to see Santa, he did a double take.

“Mr. Rhodenizer?” he asked.

It took Santa a moment — Dr. Lodge had grown an impressive beard since they last met. Then Santa’s cheeks grew even rosier as he exclaimed to Sasha:

“Your daddy saved my life! Your daddy saved Santa!”

Back in August 2022, Jim Rhodenizer went in for pre-op testing before knee surgery. The tests revealed severe aortic stenosis. That’s how he met Sasha’s dad, who performed open-heart surgery to replace his narrowed valve.

Santa’s recovery was swift, and he was back to checking his naughty-or-nice list in no time.

We know where Dr. Lodge ranks. And now Sasha does too. The boy was beaming with pride in his dad. ❤️

Some gifts are priceless. 🎁

09/12/2025

Congratulations to Maryana Popeliastiy, a nurse in the 2 North Intermediate Care Unit at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center! She received the hospital’s DAISY Award after being nominated by a grateful patient for her respect and compassion.

“A kind smile and warm words help the long, lonely nights pass. I feel all nurses have a special gift; some just get an extra dose from God himself,” wrote her patient.

Way to go, Maryana!

04/12/2025

Planning to hit the slopes this winter? ⛷️

Dr. Neil Blanchard, orthopedic surgeon at Penn State Health Orthopedics and Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center — and a physician for the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Team — shares his top tips for staying safe on the mountain.

Here’s what to keep in mind:
1️⃣ Get slope-ready with 6 to 8 weeks of cardio, strength training and core work.
2️⃣ Warm up first with 5 to 10 minutes of light cardio and stretching.
3️⃣ Prevent injuries by using the right equipment, checking weather conditions and knowing when to call it a day.
4️⃣ Hydrate before, during and after your runs.
5️⃣ If you get hurt, don’t tough it out — call a medical professional.

➡️ Read the full Medical Minute for more ski-season guidance from Dr. Blanchard: https://bit.ly/48Tgvri

27/11/2025

During this season of gratitude, we’re especially thankful for our Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center family. 💙

We extend our heartfelt thanks to our dedicated team members who provide exceptional care and support and to the patients whose partnership and confidence inspire everything we do.

Wishing everyone in our community a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving! 🦃

21/11/2025

“You see a little bit of everything here,” says Marcee O’Heher, an RN at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center. “It’s a very supportive, interdisciplinary environment.”

After leaving a corporate career, Marcee discovered new purpose in her life working in the hospital’s Critical Care Unit.

If you’re looking for a place where collaboration and compassion lead to breakthroughs every day, this is where you belong.

💙 Explore open positions today and find your next role: https://bit.ly/444wQXg

20/11/2025

📺 Tune in to WFMZ-TV 69 on Thursday, Nov. 20 at 6:30 p.m. for Conquering Cancer, a special program featuring Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center experts.

This live broadcast highlights advanced cancer care close to home and shares a powerful mother-daughter breast cancer survivor story. It also explores the latest approaches in breast and prostate cancer treatment.

Viewers will learn about early detection, the Cancer Risk Evaluation Program and how patient navigators support individuals throughout their care journey.

18/11/2025

❤️ Building the next generation of lifesavers

More than 300 students at Wyomissing Area Junior-Senior High School learned Hands-Only CPR during a recent event with the American Heart Association and Penn State Health.

Pediatric cardiologists Dr. John Breinholt and Dr. Thomas Dispenza from Penn State Health Children's Hospital helped kick off the day, explaining cardiac arrest and the steps of Hands-Only CPR before students practiced the skill in their classrooms.

As part of Penn State Health’s support for the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge, the school also received three CPR and First Aid Anywhere training kits to help expand CPR education for years to come.

14/11/2025

For Trevor Bontrager, service runs deep, both in the Emergency Department at Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center where he works as a patient care assistant and as a member of the Pennsylvania Air National Guard.

“I appreciate how flexible my supervisors are with my schedule,” Trevor says. “They truly are supportive of my military obligations.”

At Penn State Health, we’re proud to stand behind those who serve and to create a workplace that feels like family.

➡️Explore open positions today and find your next role: https://bit.ly/4oJOGXO