When a child is facing a serious heart condition, everything else in a family’s world can feel uncertain.
At the Heart Institute, patients with congenital or acquired heart conditions come from across Pennsylvania and far beyond to receive expert care. Families arrive focused on treatment, recovery, and hope for the future.
At the same time, they are often navigating practical challenges such as the cost of food, lodging, travel, and time away from work. These expenses can quickly add up, especially for those traveling long distances or facing extended hospital stays.
Compassion Beyond the Hospital Room
That is where the Forever Fund provides meaningful support.
Established to assist heart patients and their families during times of medical need, the Forever Fund offers financial assistance for essential, non‑medical expenses.
Forever Fund grants are distributed by the Clinical Social Work Department at UPMC Children’s. Because of generous donors, dedicated social workers can quickly assess each family’s circumstances and respond compassionately when families need help most.
Caring for More Hearts Means Supporting More Families
As we expand the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s and prepare to serve more patients than ever before, including a projected 20 percent increase in outpatient visits once construction is complete, the importance of flexible family support continues to grow. More patients mean more families balancing complex care plans with everyday responsibilities at home.
Thanks to philanthropy, the Forever Fund is already making a measurable impact. Last year alone, more than $42,000 was distributed to 123 patient families from 28 counties across Pennsylvania, as well as families traveling from 10 different states and countries.
The Forever Fund Helps Families Like Bianca’s
A routine visit for 6-year-old Bianca quickly became a life-changing moment when doctors at UPMC Children’s discovered a serious heart condition that required immediate surgery. As Bianca recovered in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, hospital social workers learned that her grandmother, Anna, was worried about bringing her home due to financial hardship. Thanks to the Forever Fund, the family received help with housing needs, transportation, and basic essentials, allowing Bianca to return home safely and focus on healing with her family by her side.
*To protect patient privacy, names and details have been changed.
Because of You, Families Are Not Alone
Family Support Funds like the Forever Fund are made possible entirely through donor generosity.
