What's Happening
Meet the Physician Carrying on a 40-year Legacy
UPMC Children’s is a pioneer in pediatric transplantation thanks to the work of renowned physician Thomas Starzl, MD, PhD. During his career, Dr. Starzl led a team of surgeons to perform Pittsburgh’s first liver transplant; launched the first liver transplant program in the nation for adults and children; and found a new drug that would make transplant an accepted treatment for many diseases that were considered incurable. From the 1980s until his passing in 2017, Dr. Starzl sparked a legacy of clinical excellence in pediatric transplantation that lives on today.
Carrying the torch of that legacy is George Mazariegos, MD, who serves as the chief of pediatric transplantation at UPMC Children’s. In 2017, to honor the memory of the recently passed Dr. Starzl, Dr. Mazariegos and his colleagues founded the Starzl Network for Excellence in Pediatric Transplantation. The Network brings together leading institutions, thought leaders, patients and family advocates, and technology partners to develop new, scalable solutions to pediatric transplantation’s most challenging problems.
Walking in Honor of Dr. Starzl
Dr. Mazariegos also leads the Starzl Trailblazers, which has been a top fundraising team for Walk for Children’s since the very first Walk seven years ago. The team is also led by internal champions from the transplant division. Involvement in Walk for Children’s is a unique way for the medical teams to connect outside of the hospital with many of their patient families. The transplant division also hosts its own fundraisers, including donut sales, raffles, and “Donate Life” t-shirt sales.
“Supporting the Starzl Trailblazers is huge for us because we honor the legacy of Dr. Starzl by continuing to blaze new trails in transplant research and innovation, which in turn gives even more kids a chance at a happy and fulfilling life,” says Dr. George Mazariegos. “The virtual and hybrid formats that we started [in 2020] allowed teams to do neighborhood walks as well as fun, unique activities that were meaningful to them. We have a great time connecting with our patient families and can’t wait for this year’s Walk!”
Starting a New Legacy
Recognizing the impact philanthropy has made over the last few decades, Dr. Mazariegos and his family decided to leave a permanent legacy by establishing the Mazariegos Family Endowed Fund in honor of Thomas and Joy Starzl. Donors can give to the endowment any time of year to support the mission of the Network, and to ensure patients receiving transplants in Pittsburgh and across the country have access to leading-edge care for years to come.
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.