Visit your local Wawa and helps kids treated at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital

Wawa and The Wawa Foundation recognize children’s hospitals to be on the front lines of this pandemic, caring for our youngest and a most vulnerable population. In their continued commitment to support those who support local communities affected by COVID-19, Wawa and The Wawa Foundation’s annual campaign will take place May 11 – 31, 2020.

In honor of pediatric patients here in central and northeast Pennsylvania, we’re thrilled and thankful to partner with The Wawa Foundation for the annual CMN Hospitals fundraising campaign during this difficult time. When we fund children’s hospitals, we transform how we meet the most urgent needs, saving more lives and protecting our collective future.

Through May 31st, Wawa customers can donate $1, $3 or $5 dollars to help local kids like Tessa. Customers are also welcomed to continue donating through The Wawa Foundation coin collection program.

Tessa was born with osteogenesis imperfecta, or brittle bone syndrome, which led to multiple fractures while she was a baby and toddler. She was treated by Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital orthopaedic specialists. Her mother found treatment that could help strengthen her bones, but the infusions are only administered at a few medical centers on the East Coast. Her pediatrician at Geisinger Gray’s Woods helped coordinate the care to allow Tessa to receive the treatments. Tessa received infusions to temporarily strengthen her bones, allowing her to concentrate on important things like twirling a baton, cheerleading and being a kid. Donations to Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital have provided the pediatric orthopaedic department with special car seats that Tessa’s family used when she was stuck in body casts as an infant. Donations have also have provided funding for a dedicated Child Life specialist for pediatric orthopaedics.

Wawa has been a proud partner of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals for 16 years and has raised more than $10 million to help our hospital provide life-saving equipment, programs and services for local kids like Tessa.

On behalf of Tessa and all the kids treated at Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, thanks in advance for your support of sick and injured children in our area.

When we change kids’ health, we change the future – for all of us.