Inspired by his childhood experience at Children’s, longtime DVE Rocks Children’s Radiothon listener Joe Oblek recently chose to include UPMC Children’s in his estate plans. Below, Joe shares more about his story of giving in his own words.
A Childhood Connection to Children’s
When I was about 5 years old, doctors discovered a congenital anomaly in the form of a blockage that was preventing my bladder from emptying properly. I had procedures a few times at other hospitals that did not correct the problem before I was admitted to the old Children’s Hospital in Oakland. I was a patient at Children’s for about a week, and they were able to successfully remove the obstruction.
A Different Kind of Hospital
What I remember about Children’s is how different it was from the other hospitals. Not that the other hospitals were bad, but they were boring and scary, especially for a 5-year-old. I knew my mom would be there during visiting hours and every day I would look out of my hospital room window waiting to see her. My uncle would drop her off and then my dad would come after work and stay a bit before they both would leave. I can only imagine how stressful it was for them to leave me there each day.
At Children’s, there was a playroom with toys and games. They came by with a snack cart, and I had fun with my roommate. I remember the nurses let us have a wheelchair race in the hallway.
The day after I was admitted, my mom came to visit, and I was not in my room. She found me in the playroom with some other kids. She could see that I was happy, and that gave her and my dad a great deal of relief.
More Than a Medical Procedure
When I had procedures at the other hospitals, I was put to sleep. At Children’s, I was awake. They used a local anesthetic and medication to relax me. The doctors and nurses talked reassuringly to me, and they even gave me ginger ale to sip while they did their work.
Thinking back, Children’s focused on more than the medical procedure. They were just as focused on providing an environment that took away the boring and scary feelings.
Pittsburgh to West Palm Beach
I am grateful to have grown up in Jeannette, surrounded by the love of my parents and sister, Mary Lynn. While I now live in West Palm Beach, Florida, the Pittsburgh area will always be home.
I spent my career in the software industry. I started as a programmer, shifted to training other programmers, then sales and marketing. The path I took gave me the opportunity to travel the world, work with different people, and appreciate different cultures. Today, I am semi-retired, working remotely for a software company managing and writing proposals that compete for new business.
My family today includes my partner and best friend, Laura, our dog, Bandit, and extended family that includes Laura’s family and my nieces, nephews, cousins, and close friends.
Recently, I resurrected my artistic ability and am taking painting and screen-printing classes. I enjoy riding my bicycle a few times a week to the beach or the local park.
And even though I have been in Florida for 40 years, I am forever a Steelers, Penguins, and Pirates fan!
From Platinum Rockstar to Planned Giving
I tune in to the DVE Morning Show daily, and every year, I look forward to listening to the DVE Rocks Children’s Radiothon. The Radiothon prompted me to become a Platinum Rockstar monthly donor.
After supporting Children’s in this way for several years, including the hospital in my estate plans felt like a natural next step.
For me, the decision was personal. I am grateful for the care I received and for the relief Children’s gave my parents. I know firsthand how important that incredible hospital is to kids and families.
Interested in including UPMC Children’s in your estate plans? Visit Planned Giving – UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation to learn more about planned giving and the options available to you.