UPMC Hillman Cancer Center

01/07/2026

Curious what your DNA can reveal about how we age? Join us for Science, Chilled & Distilled on January 20 at Trace Brewing in Bloomfield as we dive into the science of telomeres with renowned experts Dr. Patty Opresko and Dr. Dayana Rivadeneira, who will explore how telomere biology affects aging, cancer risk, and the power of cutting‑edge immunotherapies. We’ll see you there!

For more information, please visit https://www.facebook.com/share/1EEtZLaExp/

01/03/2026

In 2023, Don was in kidney failure and underwent dialysis treatments multiple times per week. His family desperately sought out kidney donors, posting on social media and putting up fliers and yard signs. Matthew, who worked with Don at a miniature golf course in Monroeville, Pa. noticed one of the fliers. Matthew decided to go through the testing process to donate one of his kidneys to Don. Matthew was not a suitable match for Don, but he was offered another option: he could become part of a paired kidney exchange, meaning that he would donate to someone else on the national transplant waiting list that he was compatible with in exchange for a kidney that would be compatible for Don.

Around the same time, Claire took a break to look at her laptop during a slow night shift as a nurse for the cardiothoracic intensive care unit at UPMC Presbyterian. Starting as a nurse in 2022 in the cardiothoracic ICU, she frequently saw patients in kidney failure and began to understand more fully how their lives were affected. In January 2024, she decided on the spur of the moment to sign up to donate one of her kidneys. She registered to be a non-directed donor, meaning that her kidney wouldn’t go to a specific person that she designated, but rather to someone in need who would benefit the most. Claire was a perfect match for Don, and Matthew was able to donate a kidney to a stranger on the national transplant waiting list. Don and Claire were able to meet in person at the hospital the day after the surgery in June 2024.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better recipient,” says Claire. “We text all the time, and every time I see him, he cries. He’s so sweet.”
Don is back to working part time at the golf course. He recently invited Claire to a dinner to meet his extended family. And, he told her he’s officially adding her to the family tree he keeps. Matthew ultimately donated one of his kidneys several months later, in September 2024, and is in contact with his recipient as well.

12/29/2025

On December 17th, the lobby and first floor of UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside were filled with festive spirit as 20 Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center volunteers brought the magic of the season to life! They spent the morning singing classic holiday carols and distributing snacks, which brightened the day for patients, their families, and our staff.

A special thank you to Courtyard by Marriott Pittsburgh University Center for sharing your musical talents and spreading so much joy!

12/27/2025

Chemotherapy can save or extend lives by targeting and destroying cancer cells. It can also affect other organs, including the kidneys, which filter waste, balance fluids and minerals, and help control blood pressure.

When kidney health becomes compromised, serious health problems can develop. Understanding how chemotherapy affects kidney health is essential for patients and caregivers.

Chemotherapy can put stress on your kidneys. Learn risk factors, warning signs, and how to protect kidney function during cancer treatment.

12/26/2025

On Dec. 10, CNX Foundation volunteers greeted visitors at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center’s flagship location in Shadyside with hot cocoa, coffee, cookies, and other treats—the portable backscratcher was a crowd favorite! UPMC Hillman Cancer Center leadership, including Dr. Byrd, Dr. Marks, Beth Wild, and Chuck Flach, also dropped by to say “hello” and accept a generous donation presented by CNX leadership, Timothy Bedard, executive vice president, and Benjamin Vernay, senior counsel.

The following day, CNX volunteers rivaled Santa's elves at IRMC Cancer Center, in partnership with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, in Indiana, Pa., distributing comfort items from the CNX Caring Cart like word searches, lotion, hats, and more, to patients receiving chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

Thank you, CNX, for spreading holiday cheer to our patients and their families!

12/24/2025

The spirit of the season is shining bright at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center! For the third year in a row, our friends at Kay Days — a nonprofit founded by Robin Rowe in loving memory of his wife, Kay Boyd-Rowe, who was a patient at UPMC Hillman for 20 years — are spreading comfort and joy in a big way.

This December, Kay Days gifted seven days of free parking for patients and their families, donated 120 handmade crochet hats for our patients, and even brought Santa to our Shadyside lobby to share smiles and spread holiday cheer!

Thank you, Kay Days, for making the holidays a little brighter for our community.

12/22/2025

We're in the ho-ho-holiday spirit here at UPMC Hillman! ✨ From trips down Candy Cane Lane to a Grinchy t-shirt surprise, everyone at UPMC Hillman wishes you a happy and healthy holiday season!

12/20/2025

A new era in cancer care began with the recent opening of the Mario Lemieux Immunotherapy Center and the Pietrandrea Clinic at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in Shadyside. Check it out in this week's episode of UPMC NOW.

12/20/2025

Pittsburgh Steelers safety Deshon Elliott and team mascot Steely McBeam stopped UPMC Hillman Cancer Center for a special visit on Thursday!

Together with the Northeast region of the American Cancer Society, brought huge smiles, and a few happy tears, to our patients and staff.

Deshon arrived with gift baskets filled with Steelers sweatshirts, blankets, Kindles, hand creams, and other thoughtful comfort items for our cancer patients.

We’re so grateful for this moment of joy and generosity during the holiday season.

12/17/2025

Maybe you’ve had a close family member diagnosed with breast cancer. Or maybe you’re too young for mammograms, so you haven’t considered your breast cancer risk. Either way, now is a good time to find out if you’re at a high risk of developing breast cancer.

Learn whether you’re at a high risk and what that means for breast cancer screenings throughout your lifetime.

Understand when and how often to get screened for breast cancer based on your age and risk level.

12/12/2025

The Peters Township High School cross country team visited local businesses to gather donated items for patients at St. Clair Hospital Cancer Center, affiliated with UPMC Hillman Cancer Center. The team collected essentials for those undergoing chemotherapy including blankets, chapstick, Gatorade, puzzles, gloves, and more.

The team stopped by the office to deliver the items to our patients. We’re so grateful for their generosity and community spirit!

12/09/2025

Thank you to Pink Power York for their generosity 💜

It’s the season of giving as we presented our checks last week to our four beneficiaries. Michelle Loomis, Director of Development at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, shared that Pink Power provides their patients with resource binders, food and gas cards, yoga sessions, cooling mittens and booties, wigs, and post mastectomy bras. “Pink Power is a force, a light of hope for many in a time of darkness. You’re not just funding resources, you’re giving people hope, comfort, and a chance to heal fully. Thank you Pink Power! 💗 UPMC Pinnacle Foundation UPMC Central Pa.