UPMC Children’s extends world-class care to children from around the world, offering hope and healing to those in need. However, many families face immense financial challenges during their child’s treatment, including travel, lodging, and daily living expenses.
The Roberto Clemente Foundation is supporting international patients and families at UPMC Children’s by establishing the Roberto Clemente Fund. This fund, to be launched with proceeds from the Foundation’s upcoming Ambassadors’ Dinner in Pittsburgh, will support the needs of these patients in traveling to Pittsburgh for their care.
Building the “Clemente Bridge”
The International Services team at UPMC Children’s provides health care services to children and their families from more than 80 countries in specialties like transplant, heart care, pediatric cancer, and more.
“I have children. I could not be happier to have UPMC Children’s here,” says Roberto Clemente, Jr., who serves as co-chairman of the Roberto Clemente Foundation.
photos courtesy of the Clemente Museum
Funding from the Roberto Clemente Foundation will help bridge the gap for families seeking care from Puerto Rico, connecting the two communities the late Roberto Clemente spent his life serving. “When you mention the name ‘Clemente’ the first thing that comes to mind is Pittsburgh and Puerto Rico, “continues Roberto Jr. “My father stood to protect Latinos and Puerto Rico.”
The Roberto Clemente Fund at UPMC Children’s will directly support UPMC’s International Program, helping to alleviate financial burdens for families not only from Puerto Rico, but around the world. The fund will ensure that families can focus on what matters most: their child’s treatment and healing; and that every child – regardless of their background – receives the expert care they deserve.
Legacy of Support
Roberto Clemente’s humanitarian spirit and his deep connection to UPMC Children’s inspire this initiative. During his career, Clemente made countless visits to the hospital, bringing encouragement to young patients.
photos courtesy of the Clemente Museum
“I remember he would have sacks of fan mail in the clubhouse,” recalls Clemente Jr. “He would always put letters from children or families with a sick child to the side so he could hand-deliver letters and autographs personally.”
Clemente understood the impact he could have on children and families by visiting and wanted to give back to his fans.
“We all come from the same place, but the thing that makes us unique is our fingerprint. That touch is what you leave behind,” says Clemente Jr. “How you help in this moment is how you leave your fingerprint.”