Join Children’s Trust, an exclusive group that collectively channels their philanthropic passions and energies in support of UPMC Children’s most promising pediatric researchers.
Unmatched by any volunteer or leadership opportunity in Pittsburgh, Trust members pool their charitable resources to directly impact the future of research by voting to award annual grants.
At This Moment, research matters. At UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, research is the foundation for how we care for children. The research taking place at UPMC Children’s today will change the trajectory of a child’s life tomorrow.
Take an active role in preventing, treating, and curing pediatric diseases. Become a Children’s Trust member.
“We believe that positive change stems from people working passionately towards a common goal, and the opportunity to help fund and support life-changing research in its most primitive form is such a draw for us to be involved with the Children’s Trust. Living in Lawrenceville and having kids ourselves, it’s hard not to feel a connection to UPMC Children’s, and it’s a source of pride to learn of the work being done right here by all the doctors, nurses, and medical personnel.”
Request information, connect for a conversation, and inquire about a hospital tour by contacting Katie McGregor at [email protected].
Taking home first prize, and $70,000, was Glenn Rapsinski, MD, PhD, for his research on chronic lung infection in children with complex medical needs who rely on ventilators. These patients make up only 1% of the population but account for half of all child health care costs and are especially vulnerable to ventilator-associated infections. By examining both bacterial behavior and how airway cells respond to infection and the presence of tracheostomy tubes, Dr. Rapsinski’s goal is to uncover how chronic infections take hold and persist. Ultimately, the findings aim to improve treatment and prevention strategies, keeping medically complex children healthier and out of the hospital.
Takuto Chiba, PhD, investigates why some children develop chronic kidney disease (CKD) after experiencing acute kidney injury (AKI) during heart surgery, particularly newborns and young children whose kidneys are still developing. His research aims to uncover the pathways that drive the progression from AKI to CKD. These insights could help lead to safer, more precise therapies to prevent kidney disease in pediatric patients, where treatment options are currently limited. Dr. Chiba won second place and $50,000 toward his work.
Winning third place, and $30,000, was Vikram Raghu, MD, MS, whose research focuses on evaluating the quality of life in children with intestinal failure, comparing those who rely on long-term IV nutrition, those who’ve transitioned to oral or tube feeding, and those who’ve undergone intestine transplants. While medical outcomes have been well documented, little is known about how these treatment paths affect daily well-being. By collecting data from 230 children across major medical centers, the research aims to identify which treatments best support overall life satisfaction and to inform more tailored, timely decisions regarding transplantation.
Engage your company’s leaders and help to advance pediatric research and the mission of UPMC Children’s through corporate sponsorship of the Children’s Trust. Connect, network, and join forces with the region’s most talented and community-minded professionals and businesses. Trust sponsors are invited to participate in a variety of ways including hosting volunteer and networking programs, sponsoring Trust members, and supporting the long-term strategic plan of the program.
Confluence Financial Partners is a corporate sponsor of Children’s Trust. Sponsorship is a paid relationship.
Set the standard for corporate philanthropy and unlock an employee’s potential with a Children’s Trust membership.
Demonstrate your support by matching an employee’s $1,250 investment to participate in this uniquely engaging leadership program.
Step up as a corporate leader and nominate a rising star on your team to participate in Children’s Trust.
Request additional sponsorship information or connect for a conversation by contacting Jessica Monahan at [email protected].
Children’s Trust gives members the opportunity to invest in the future of pediatric research and play an active role in developing better outcomes for children everywhere. Historically, Trust members have helped to advance innovation in the areas of Ewing sarcoma, brain injury recovery, newborn bacterial infections, expanding access to healthcare, and so much more.
60 emerging community leaders came together to form the Children’s Trust
First Grantmakers’ Meeting. Dr. Dennis Simon was awarded $40,000
Hit $250,000 mark for total support of pediatric research
The multiplier effect kicks in when two trust award recipients earn NIH grants
Restructured Children’s Trust to focus 100% on research
Back in person for the first ever Cocktails & Cures event
Building back up: 150 members contributed to an annual revenue high of $198,000
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Be the deciding vote in supporting the future of pediatric research and its impact for the children across Pittsburgh and beyond. The Children’s Trust provides exceptional experiences and benefits and several levels of participation for individuals, households, and companies.
Request information, connect for a conversation, and inquire about a hospital tour by contacting Katie McGregor at [email protected].
