Young cancer survivor has high hopes for new children's hospital

Written by  Megan Lello
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(Hershey) -- The upcoming opening of the new Penn State Hershey Children's Hospital building has one former patient and her family reflecting on the role of the facility in the community.

brobson familyTwelve-year-old Claire Brobson of Harrisburg was on hand to help dedicate the $207 million building. She was treated at the old hospital after being diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of cancer, in 2007.

Brobson says she thinks the performing arts space, large rooms, and elevators that change color will appeal to kids who are being treated. "It doesn't even seem like a hospital, that much. It seems like just a fun place where kids can recover and have fun."

Brobson's mother, Lauren, says she's grateful for the compassionate care her family received. The new facility is designed to provide comprehensive treatments so that families don't have to travel elsewhere to find care, and Lauren says that's important. "Our family was able to stay together. Our children were able to stay in their schools. My husband was still able to do his work, and I was still able to do my work, and yet, we were still able to get the best quality care."

A parade will be held for children moving from the old building to the new facility when it officially opens in January.

Read an article about Claire's cancer journey and how their family realized that family is always first.

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