UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

04/09/2026

Something exciting is coming to UPMC Children's! Our Heart Institute's new state-of-the-art facility will be a 50,000-square-foot, three-story addition to our Lawrenceville campus. 💜

04/07/2026

We're getting excited for Erie Discovery Day! Join us on April 19 for a special morning at the expERIEnce Children’s Museum with exclusive early access, hands‑on fun, and meaningful mission moments supporting local children and families. Learn more about this event from UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation President, Rachel Petrucelli on Erie News Now.

Click here to register: https://ERIEDISCOVERY.givesmart.com

Click here to view this video from erienewsnow.com.

04/07/2026

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is building a new, state-of-the-art Heart Institute—designed to bring advanced heart care together in a family-centered setting.

This $85 million, 50,000-square-foot addition is the hospital’s largest expansion since 2009 and will open in phases beginning this June.

WTAE-TV Pittsburgh anchor Mike Clark WTAE got an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what this new Heart Institute will mean for the tens of thousands of children and families who rely on UPMC Children’s every year.

It's designed to be a premier destination for advanced pediatric and select adult cardiac care in a family-centered setting.

04/06/2026

Hayden was born with a congenital heart defect, a scary situation for any parent. Hayden's family trusted in the team at UPMC Children's, and Dr. Luciana da Silva performed his surgery when he was just 4 months old.

Hayden is now a happy and thriving 4-year-old with a ton of energy. His journey is a true testament to hope, expert care, and family strength.

We're so grateful to Hayden's mom, Stefanie, for sharing his story with us.

04/05/2026

When the world watched Damar Hamlin collapse on the field, it was a moment that stopped time and reminded us how fragile life can be. His heart stopped. But thanks to swift medical care, it started again.

Today, Damar carries that moment with him, not as a setback, but as a purpose.

A Pittsburgh native, Damar has spent time walking the halls of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, visiting kids on our cardiac units, delivering gifts, sharing encouragement, and offering something just as powerful: hope.

Beyond the hospital, his impact continues across our region. Through his foundation, Damar has invested in heart‑health education, CPR awareness, and scholarships for Pittsburgh‑area students, turning his second chance into opportunities for others.

This is what it means to go beyond the game.

Because sometimes the greatest victories don’t happen under the lights, but in the moments that help others believe they can keep going, too.

Did you or someone you love meet Damar during one of his visits to UPMC Children’s?
We’d love to hear your story. Email us at foundationmarketing@chp.edu.

04/04/2026

When you fundraise for Walk for Children’s, not only do you support patients and families at the UPMC Children’s, but you can also earn sweet rewards like a Walk for Children’s picnic blanket or a cooler backpack! Register today to start fundraising and join in our biggest fundraising event of the year on Saturday, June 6!

https://fundraise.givetochildrens.org/site/TR/Events/WalkforChildrens2026?fr_id=1270&pg=entry

04/03/2026

Megan knew early in her pregnancy that her son, Lorenzo, had hypoplastic left heart syndrome — a rare congenital heart defect where the left side of the heart is underdeveloped. It is treated through a series of three open heart procedures to improve how blood flows through the heart. UPMC Children’s pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Victor Morell, MD, performed the first two surgeries before Lorenzo was 3 months old.

“It felt like a rollercoaster at times, but the doctors, nurses, and staff were great,” Megan says. “It was like he was with family. We knew he was in good hands.”

In June 2025, when Lorenzo was 3 years old, pediatric cardiologist Sara Trucco, MD, performed a pre-Fontan study to check his cardiovascular system. The Fontan procedure — the final stage of the repair — is tentatively planned for spring 2026, after he grows a bit more.

As usual, Lorenzo’s Blankie and Sheepy were by his side at the hospital.

“He loves them so much,” Megan explains. “He takes them everywhere!” Lorenzo was soon back at home, running around like a whirlwind.

“Early on, Dr. Morell told me ‘Lorenzo’s just a boy. Don’t ever treat him any different,’” Megan recalls. “I’ll never forget that.”

04/02/2026

Every breakthrough begins with someone willing to believe. 💫

Children’s Trust brings together a community investing in research and innovation at UPMC Children’s—helping transform bold ideas into life‑changing progress for kids and families.

This is belief in motion.
This is how impact begins.

👉 Learn more about Children's Trust here givetochildrens.org/childrenstrust

04/01/2026

Smiles, strength, and superstar moments! WWE Superstar Cody Rhodes stopped by to visit our patients and families—bringing smiles, laughter, and a whole lot of joy to the hospital.

04/01/2026

UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh has opened a new and expanded pediatric cardiology clinic at Children’s Pine Center in Wexford, significantly increasing access to specialized heart care for children and families across the region.

In this new clinic, open Monday through Friday, patients and families have access to comprehensive diagnostic and follow-up cardiology services at a convenient location close to home. Our team provides fetal cardiology, general pediatric cardiology, and adult congenital heart disease services under one roof to accommodate the needs of expanding families. This expansion helps reduce travel while keeping the same trusted pediatric heart specialists close to home in the North Hills community.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 412-692-5540.

03/31/2026

For Child Life Month, we recognize our child life team who bring comfort to patients through creativity, compassion, and education. Here's a fun look back to when our child life specialists were children themselves 😊

03/30/2026

This National Doctors’ Day, we’re proud to recognize the more than 6,000 physicians at UPMC who have dedicated their lives to caring for others. 💜

In some of life’s toughest moments, we turn to doctors for answers, reassurance, and hope.

At UPMC, our physicians shape lives in big and small ways — through groundbreaking research and heartfelt moments of care.

We are deeply grateful for their expertise, their empathy, and their unwavering commitment to patients and communities. Most of all, we’re grateful they answered the call to care for others.

To our team and beyond, we wish you a very happy Doctors' Day. Thank you for all you do.