New “Center of Hope” Opens at Shannon-Helping Kids Heal Through Play

A new space designed to help hospitalized children cope and heal has opened at Shannon Medical Center. The Panda Cares Center of Hope is located inside the Shannon Women and Children’s Hospital and was made possible through donations raised by Panda Express and Children’s Miracle Network. Hospital staff say the center focuses on play, art, and age‑appropriate activities to support children both in their rooms and in other areas like the emergency department and surgery. Child life specialists say play can be just as important as medicine during recovery. Panda Express has raised more than $170,000 for Shannon over the last nine years. Hospital leaders say the new space will benefit young patients and families across the Concho Valley.