New Panda Cares Center of Hope Opens at Carilion Children's

Small donations made at local Panda Express restaurants are adding up to expand therapy resources for our young patients.

Since 2016, Panda Express guests and associates in the region have raised $248,000 for Carilion Children’s Hospital, the Children’s Miracle Network hospital for Southwest Virginia. 

The partnership is now expanding: This week we dedicated a Panda Cares Center of Hope at Carilion Children's. The center will provide a safe space for our patients and their families to play and heal during physical treatment.

The Panda Cares Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Panda Express, has also pledged $500,000 over the next 8 years. This funding will support our pediatric therapy gym and new equipment.

Donations Support Therapy Equipment

Previous donations through the partnership have funded much of the equipment already used in our pediatric therapy gym.

Amy Kaegels, assistant vice president of hospital operations, said the support has helped provide items throughout the gym. They include a mini rock-climbing wall, swinging monkey bars, pool noodles, inflatable hopper animals, treadmills, and other therapy equipment.

The equipment is used by children receiving physical and occupational therapy at Carilion Children’s.

“The center will have a lasting impact on children and families,” said Macy Ware, director of the Children’s Miracle Network Program. “It will help us provide essential equipment and life-changing therapies that make a meaningful difference in the lives of our patients.”