What's Happening
Seventh Annual Walk for Children’s Sets New Fundraising Record
On June 4, 2022, more than 4,000 Walkers from across the country joined together in person at Schenley Park and virtually to show support for our patient champions, raising more than $920,000 in this year’s Walk for Children’s presented by UPMC and UPMC Health Plan! This year’s Walk set a new fundraising record, and collectively, throughout the past seven years, Walk for Children’s has raised $5,547,301.
The funds raised through Walk for Children’s provide critical flexibility for UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to respond to rapidly changing needs and new opportunities as they arise. Your support ensures that our kids have access to the programs, resources, and support they need to thrive, such as research, medical education, Child Life, social work, music and art therapy, and all the many little things that set UPMC Children’s apart from a typical hospital experience.
“Each year, we walk together, as one united community, to support a critical resource that we are fortunate to have right here in Pittsburgh,” says Rachel Petrucelli, President, UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation. “To all who’ve supported this event in any way — whether you’ve made a gift in support of a walker, joined a team, held a fundraiser, or helped spread the word — thank you, from the bottom of my heart.”
Some of our top fundraisers and teams shared why they are passionate about Walk for Children’s:
Wyatt’s Warriors
“Wyatt was born in December 2018 with a rare congenital issue. Already, Wyatt has had over 20 surgeries and has spent lots of time in either the NICU, the PICU or on the surgical floor. We have formed such special relationships with Wyatt’s doctors, nurses and support staff and are so thankful for the many ways they have cared and continue to care for our sweet Wyatt. We walk to honor Wyatt’s resilience, to say thank you to his outstanding medical team at UPMC Children’s that has gotten him this far and will continue to take care of him, and to play a small part in helping other families receive the same type of amazing care that Wyatt has received.”
Wyatt’s Warriors raised more than $44,000 for Walk for Children’s this year!
Nathaniel Pugliese
For four years, Nathaniel has been upping his fundraising game consistently. In 2018, he raised $2,500. In 2020 he doubled that, raising $5,000. This year, Nathaniel took it to the next level, raising more than $18,000!
His devotion to giving back to UPMC Children’s comes from personal experience. Read about Nathaniel’s fundraising journey in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
Friends of the Hearing Center
Led by Jessica Lampert, Friends of the Hearing Center raised more than $15,000 for Walk for Children’s.
“I Walk for Children’s to support families of the Hearing Center. The Hearing Center runs programs and initiatives that support families in Western PA in a way that no other organization does. They offer a unique Music to My Ears Program that was specifically designed for babies and toddlers with hearing loss. We provide 1:1 support for navigating communication and education. They provide advocacy and support materials to families and educators.
“But the biggest reason I Walk is to bring families together. Walk is a chance for them to meet, socialize, and support one another.”
PJ Dick – Trumbull and the Lindy Group
Our corporate sponsors pave the way for our patient champions, their families, and the community to participate in Walk for Children’s. Without our partners, our laces would remain “untied.” PJ Dick – Trumbull and the Lindy Group has supported Walk for Children’s since its inception in 2016.
This year, they raised more than $13,000 in support of our patient champions!
Thank You!
We thank all our Walkers, donors, fundraisers, committee members, and supporters for making each Walk for Children’s a success.
It is not too late to support Walk for Children’s 2022! Help us raise our record-setting total even higher!
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.