Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida Celebrates Panda Cares Day™ on August 8

Panda Express® locations support the holistic healthcare needs of pediatric patients in the Fort Myers/Naples area communities.

(Fort Myers, Fla. – July 29, 2020) --- Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida is recognizing the financial support of donations made by Panda Express^® through its philanthropic arm, Panda Cares^® to young patients in Glades, Collier, Lee, Hendry and Charlotte Counties. The generosity of Panda guests and associates who foster the spirit of giving and inspire brighter futures is celebrated on Aug. 8, the anniversary of Panda Cares.

Donations collected year round at local Panda Express locations have helped kids like Kennedy. “We are so fortunate to have a hospital like this so close to home. From the beginning I had a perfect pregnancy, then at 31 weeks at my scheduled midwife appointment, I was told I had preeclampsia”, said Marie Heisler, Kennedy’s mom. “You need to go to the hospital now they said.” Little did Marie know she would be soon delivering her daughter. Then Kennedy was born at 2 lbs. 15 oz. and that started our NICU stay. "What kept me strong during our NICU stay is the incredible care we received," said Marie. "Our care team was amazing. Most of the nurses are moms so they can really relate. They took the time to explain and care for us as first time parents. They were our biggest cheerleaders. We are forever grateful to Golisano Children’s Hospital and the NICU team.” Kennedy is now 4 years old and is developmentally on track, is living life like any other child. She loves to play with her stuffed animals and babies. Kennedy is a sweet, happy and beautiful little girl.

On this year’s Panda Cares Day, Panda Express is hosting a one-day virtual fundraiser on Aug. 8. When a guest places an order on the Panda Express mobile app or website using the promo code “PandaCaresDay,” Panda will donate 28 percent of online sales to Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida.

“At Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida, we strive to address the most challenging health issues of today while preventing and preparing for those to come. When we change kids’ health, we change the future – for all of us,” said Alyssa Bostwick, program development coordinator at Golisano Children’s Hospital.

About Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida

Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” three consecutive years by The Leapfrog Group. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami. Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital is proud to have been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S., a recognition determined by popular vote.

About Panda Express®

On a mission to inspire better lives, Panda Express, an American Chinese Trailblazer, is the largest Asian dining concept in the U.S. Family-owned and operated since 1983 by co-founders and co-CEOs Andrew and Peggy Cherng, Panda Express is best known for creating a wide variety of industry-first recipes, including its best seller the Original Orange Chicken® and award-winning Honey Walnut Shrimp, which have defined the category of authentic American Chinese cuisine. Each dish at Panda Express, including the Wok Smart® selections, is thoughtfully crafted with quality ingredients and inspired by bold Chinese flavors and culinary principles. The restaurant brand has more than 2,000 locations throughout the U.S. and has introduced American Chinese cuisine to more than ten international countries. Powered by this global family of associates, Panda Cares, the organization’s philanthropic arm, has raised more than $212 million and countless volunteer hours in bettering the health and education for over 12 million youths as well as supporting communities in need since 1999. For more information, visit pandaexpress.com, or find us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 

About Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals

Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals® raises funds and awareness for 170 member hospitals that provide 32 million treatments each year to kids across the U.S. and Canada. Donations stay local to fund critical treatments and healthcare services, pediatric medical equipment and charitable care. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals has raised more than $7 billion, most of it $1 at a time through the charity's Miracle Balloon icon. Its various fundraising partners and programs support the nonprofit's mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Find out why children's hospitals need community support, and learn about your member hospital, at CMNHospitals.org and facebook.com/CMNHospitals.