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Juju’s Journey
“Pittsburgh is Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and we need to be ‘helpers’ when called,” says Katie about sharing her daughter’s story as part of the KDKA-TV Free Care Fund Benefit Show. “Anything that we can do to help raise money for all of the other kids who need help would be the least that we can do.”
When you meet Katie’s daughter, Julie (who goes by Juju) for the first time, you’re likely to find her riding on her motorized unicorn, being a good neighbor to others on her unit by bringing smiles and lollipops to her fellow patients and the UPMC Children’s staff. Juju is a typical 4-year-old. She loves music and drawing, and has seen Frozen and Frozen 2 “at least 30 times.” Over the past 10 months, Juju has done all of this while battling cancer at UPMC Children’s.
Learn more about how philanthropy fuels pediatric cancer research
In February 2021, Juju was diagnosed with stage IV, high-risk, neuroblastoma. Neuroblastoma is a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells found in several areas of the body. Neuroblastoma is rare and almost always affects children.
Since her journey began, Juju has had 28 rounds of chemotherapy; 10 of which were high-dose, a nine-hour tumor resection surgery, and two bone marrow transplants. And that was only the start of her fight. She still has more hurdles to clear with radiation and immunotherapy being the next stops on her ride.
While Juju’s journey continues this holiday season, mom Katie knows that they have a community of helpers they can rely on, including friends, family, Juju’s medical team, and donors like you.
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.