Celebrate Panda Cares Day on August 8 to help Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children
Orlando Health Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children is excited to celebrate Panda Cares Day on August 8. Why? Because Panda Express is hosting a one-day virtual fundraiser for area kids treated at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer. 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 young patients in the Central Florida area.
Panda Express is dedicated to supporting a child’s entire well-being while in the hospital including their mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Donations collected year round at local Panda Express locations support these focus areas at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer and help kids like Emma receive emotional support through services like music therapy!
In 2008, Emma was hospitalized for 5 weeks at Orlando Health Arnold Palmer. When she became disinterested in most activities, the Child Life team suggested music therapy. Emma’s first therapy session happened to be during the grand rounds with her doctors. The therapist began to sing “You are My Sunshine” and not only was Emma smiling, but her entire medical team was, too.
Music therapy brought back the light in Emma’s eyes and she spent every second she could with the music therapy team! They even had a special appearance on the day she was discharged from the cardiac ICU to go home.
Two years later, Emma started elementary school. When she walked into the music class ready to meet her teacher, she was shocked to see that it was none other than her music therapist from Orlando Health Arnold Palmer!
When Emma was selected to represent Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals as the state-wide Champion for Florida, her music teacher kicked off the surprise celebration by coming into her classroom singing their first song together, You are My Sunshine. Today, Emma is a healthy and strong young woman who loves playing softball!
Because of partners like Panda Express, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer is able to provide crucial emotional support alongside expert medical care.
Additionally, Orlando Health Arnold Palmer is excited to recognize Panda for cumulatively raising over $500,000 since 2007 to help our community and transform how we meet the most urgent needs, save more lives and protect our collective future.
So, mark your calendar for Saturday, August 8. Panda Cares Day means that every online order of your favorite Panda Express meal helps change kids’ health and change the future – for kids like Emma!