My Story…
Since graduating from the University of Pittsburgh and leaving the Pitt B Men's Ultimate Frisbee last year, I've been looking for a new mental and physical challenge. I always admired the dedication, perseverance, and organization that is required to run a marathon and figured there would be no better time than during my gap year before medical school to train these skills. Ironically, many people would also compare the medical career path to that of a marathon due to the duration and discipline required to achieve each goal. This spring, I have the time to train for a marathon while simultaneously applying to medical schools. Admittedly, I am extremely fortunate to be nearing the end of my application process as I’ve gained acceptance to a school I would love to attend next fall. Becoming a doctor has been a dream of mine since kindergarten after beginning to realize the impact my doctors at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh had made on my life. It now feels only fitting that while I plan on leaving the city I grew up and went to college in, I have the opportunity to give back to the organization that not only birthed my love for medicine, but also saved my life.
Description
As part of Team Children's, my participation in the 2023 Pittsburgh Marathon supports UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation.
Funds support the patients and families served by UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Last year UPMC Children's Hospital had over 1 million patient visits and many of the programs, initiatives, and resources that make UPMC Children’s so special are funded by philanthropic gifts. Things like distraction therapy which provides patients something else to focus on during their medical procedures, the Child Life Department which provides many activities to create a sense of normalcy for hospitalized children, and the Free Care Fund which covers the cost of medical care for those that cannot afford it. These areas are not covered by insurance, yet are critically important to helping families face the many challenges that accompany a child’s treatment.
Please consider donating to support the patient champions at UPMC Children's! You can donate directly on this page or send a check to the address below and make a note that you are sponsoring my efforts.
UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation
Attention: Pittsburgh Marathon
4401 Penn Ave
Pittsburgh, PA 15224
Recent donors
| Donation date | Donor name | Donation amount |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 28 | Nikolai Nikolaevich | $54.10 |
| Apr 20 | Chuck Stephenson | $54.10 |
| Apr 17 | Steve Mo | $54.10 |
| Apr 02 | Deacon Joe Balkunowa | $27.48 |
| Mar 31 | Sharyn Roney | $27.48 |
| Mar 28 | Mom | $213.85 |
| Mar 22 | Uncle John and Aunt Terri | $54.10 |
| Mar 22 | Mike Hayden | Undisclosed amount |
| Mar 19 | B&G Mallaber | $107.35 |
| Mar 18 | Jim Martin | $160.60 |
