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Lowin’s Story
On our D-Day, diagnosis day, we were delivered devastating news, “Your daughter has a very large mass in her brain.” Still processing the news, just three hours later we were shown just how big her brain tumor was. After being told the location of the tumor, everything became even more devastating. I closed the Google search as quickly as I opened it, but I still read words like “poor prognosis,” “inoperable,” “rare.” Those first few days were a whirlwind, and while all our focus was on Lowin, our community, family, friends, and strangers were planning, resourcing, and praying for us, for her.
Lowin came home two days after a 9-hour brain surgery that most surgeons wouldn’t dare to attempt because her tumor location is inoperable. We are forever grateful that Dr. Abel was our daughter’s surgeon, and we will always sing his praises.
Learn more about how philanthropy fuels pediatric cancer research
Lowin’s first smile post-op was February 25. Oh, how I missed my cheerful happy girl! I was elated to see her big grin, and that just confirmed my girl was still in there! By April, Lowin’s tumor was growing again, evident by new onset of facial weakness. On April 23, Low[in] had her port placed, and began her first round of chemo. We have come to know the staff on 9C well, and they are the top of the top, and I’m not just saying that because they reside on the top floor of the hospital! They are a caring, compassionate, hard-working team, and they have been our lifeline.
Lowin has completed 18 months of chemo. Today we celebrate her strength, resilience, courage, joyfulness, kindness, and determination to overcome. She may have lost her hair, but never her cheerful spirit. She has also regained strength in her right side and has adapted to not having full function of her hand. She leaves an invisible trail of sparkle everywhere she goes. She has not let her diagnosis define her and she has big plans for her future. She is silly and beautiful and cheerful despite the hand she has been dealt!
We will continue to visit UPMC Children’s monthly for treatment, and we are beyond grateful that we have access to a top children’s hospital just a short drive away.
— Krystal, Lowin’s Mom
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.