Teresa's Heart of Gold

February is Heart Month, an observance intended to raise awareness about heart disease. At the world-renowned Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, a team of pediatric heart specialists, nurses, and technicians is experienced with every type of heart condition and dedicated to providing the best care for patients from before birth through childhood and adolescence and into adulthood.

Five months before she was born, Teresa’s family learned that she was diagnosed with Ebstein’s anomaly, a rare congenital heart condition characterized by an abnormality in one of the heart’s valves that can lead to reduced blood flow. Fortunately for her family, the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital includes the Da Silva Center for Ebstein’s Anomaly where children and adults diagnosed with this condition can find world-class care.

Teresa underwent several procedures, including three successful heart surgeries. Her mom, Chelsea, is thankful for daughter’s expert care team, including Evonne Morell, DO, director, Inpatient Cardiology Services.

“There are no words to describe the outstanding care Dr. Morell and the team of surgeons, physicians, and nurses at Children’s Hospital has given to our daughter,” says Chelsea, Teresa’s mom. “After Teresa’s first successful heart surgery, we knew we had to give back to Children’s and give a sense of ‘hope’ to all the other heart warriors.”

In 2013, her family founded the nonprofit Teresa’s Hope 4 Hearts to help families coping with heart disease and to raise funds for Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation.

Now a thriving, energetic 6-year-old, Teresa continues to follow up with Dr. Morell twice a year. “Our family is forever grateful for Dr. Morell and UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.”

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A Generous Gift from the Tull Family Foundation
$1.5 million to support research and creative arts programming

The Tull Family Foundation, a longtime supporter of UPMC Children’s, gifted $1.5 million to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation to support research and creative arts programs at the hospital.

The Richard King Mellon Institute for Pediatric Research will receive $1 million to help recruit and support young physician-scientists pursuing groundbreaking pediatric research and help assist them in securing extramural funding to translate scientific findings into treating and preventing childhood diseases.

The Creative and Expressive Arts Therapy (CEAT) program at UPMC Children’s will receive $500,000 to support the creation of an art therapy studio, music therapy studio, and creative arts hub. These innovative spaces are currently under construction and are scheduled to open at the hospital this year.

“We are incredibly grateful to Thomas and Alba, and the Tull Family Foundation, for their generosity and support of our research and creative arts programs,” said Rachel Petrucelli, president, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation. “The impact the Tull Family Foundation has made with the recent gift, and previous support, really exemplifies a passion for Children’s Hospital.”

Founded by Thomas and Alba Tull, the Tull Family Foundation is a private foundation that provides philanthropic support across the education, medical, and scientific research communities and health and social services sectors. The foundation’s previous support for UPMC Children’s includes the donation of the hospital’s Harry Potter train and access to San Diego Zoo Kids, a virtual adventure television channel.

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A Summer Camp with Heart

Every summer for nearly 30 years, the Dr. Bill Neches Heart Camp has welcomed children with heart conditions from all over the country for a week of fun activities and acceptance.

“Kids experience many firsts in their lives – their first friend, their first day of school, their first sleepover, their first sports game, and more,” said Keith McIntire, Heart Camp director. “For kids who are patients at the Heart Institute of UPMC Children’s, first experiences are often limited because of restrictions related to their heart conditions. Heart Camp allows kids with heart conditions the opportunity to enjoy a week of many firsts and fun experiences.”

Ranging from ages 8 to 15, more than 150 children attend Heart Camp at YMCA Camp Kon-O-Kwee Spencer in Fombell, Pennsylvania, participating in sports and other camp activities to the best of their abilities without fear of being judged by others. Heart Camp also provides its young campers with the opportunity to make new friends who understand what they’ve gone through and the challenges they have overcome.

“At Heart Camp, our kids build self-esteem, make lifelong friends, and are free to do what they do best – just be kids.”

This year, the Dr. Bill Neches Heart Camp for Kids will be held the week of Sunday, June 9.

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Shearing #99's Beard for the Ninth Time

More than 500 supporters of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation joined former Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel and his special guests on Friday, Feb. 15, at Shear Da Beard, an annual event benefiting the Division of Hematology and Oncology at UPMC Children’s.

This year marked the 9th annual event for #99, who grows out his beard in preparation of this event. Brett was joined on stage by patient champion Emma Mathieu, who battled leukemia at UPMC Children’s, and guest barber and Steelers defenseman Cam Heyward, who not only helped Brett shave his famous facial hair but also took a razor to his own beard.

The event raised more than $167,000, including over $9,900 raised from the Keisel/Armstrong Challenge raffle of autographed gear used during Brett’s day on the ice with former Penguins right wing Colby Armstrong and a $20,000 match from the Citrone 33 Foundation.

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A Visit from Colton Underwood	Place Your Bets at Casino Royale	Farewell, Chris Gessner
On Sunday, Feb. 10, Children’s welcomed Colton Underwood, TV personality and founder of the Colton Underwood Legacy Foundation. Colton spent his afternoon at the hospital visiting patients and families, spreading positivity and smiles to last a lifetime. “What they go through on a daily basis between medications, therapies, and treatments really put things in perspective,” said Colton, who founded the Legacy Foundation to raise money for cystic fibrosis research and medical equipment.	On Friday, April 5, the Hearing Center Auxiliary of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation is hosting the eighth annual Casino Royale at Kimpton Hotel Monaco Pittsburgh. The evening of dinner, drinks, casino games, and prizes celebrates and recognizes the amazing work being done at the Hearing Center of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.	After 10 years of service as president of UPMC Children’s, Christopher A. Gessner announced that he is stepping down from his position to pursue a career opportunity as president and CEO of the University of Colorado Hospital. Chris has been with UPMC since 2000, serving as executive director of Children’s Community Pediatrics. He became vice president of ambulatory services at Children’s Hospital in 2003 before he was promoted to chief executive officer in 2005 and president in 2008. In 2014, Chris assumed the additional role of president of UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital.
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