Meet D'Kaiden - UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation

What's Happening

Meet D’Kaiden

Doctors told Samantha to prepare for the worst — that her son D’Kaiden likely wouldn’t survive after birth. Samantha and D’Kaiden traveled from Erie, Pa. to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh when D’Kaiden was just 2 days old. He had kidney failure, pulmonary hypoplasia, and severe hemophilia a. Under the care of Michael Moritz, MD, he received the kidney transplant he needed to survive.

Three years later, D’Kaiden is back home with his family after a successful medical journey. He is a happy and thriving little boy who loves books and dancing. Samantha uses Facebook to post updates on D’Kaiden’s recovery and shares photos of his trials and successes. She said, “UPMC Children’s saved my son. He would not be here without them.”

With your help, kids like D’Kaiden can achieve more and more extraordinary outcomes every day at UPMC Children’s.

GIVE NOW

The Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation Awards Grant to Further Cancer Research

Named for legendary golfer and Latrobe native Arnold Palmer and his wife, Winnie, the Arnold & Winnie Palmer Foundation is committed to making a difference in the lives of children and families.

Sydney’s Story

Sydney was diagnosed with a rare genetic disorder called Urea Cycle Disorder / Ornithine Transcarbamylase deficiency (UCD/OTC) at just one year old.

World-Class Palliative Care for Every Child and Family, at Every Stage of Life

The new Division of Palliative Medicine and Supportive Care aims to build a future where there are no barriers to this life-changing care.

Lorenzo’s Journey to the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s

Within days of his birth, a team of skilled surgeons at UPMC Children’s performed open heart surgery on Lorenzo.

Children’s Trust Grants $100,000 for Startup Pediatric Research

Each spring, a group of hand-selected researchers pitch next generation, budding research concepts to members of the Children’s Trust for a chance at winning seed funding to help kickstart their research.

Welcoming New Leadership on the Board of Trustees

Learn more about Vanessa and what inspires her to serve UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh so proudly, in her own words.

Philanthropy Supports Individualized Behavioral Health Care

Throughout our hospital, there are many licensed psychologists dedicated to supporting specific service lines.

2023 Walk for Children’s: Celebrating Our First $1 Million Walk

Walk for Children’s, presented by UPMC and UPMC Health Plan, reached new heights this year, gathering 4,157 walkers, 255 teams, and 54 sponsors.