My Story…
My name is Gianna Orelli, and I am a 17-year-old junior from New Castle, Pennsylvania. I was diagnosed with epilepsy at the age of 12. When I was 14, my condition worsened, and I underwent three brain surgeries. Today, I am incredibly grateful to share that I have been seizure-free for two years.
All of my treatment was provided at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in Lawrenceville. I cannot fully express what the care I received there has meant to me and my family. The compassion, skill, and dedication of the nurses and doctors were truly extraordinary. They gave me not only medical care, but hope, strength, and a second chance at a normal life.
I am now working to raise money for UPMC Children’s Hospital so that other children and families can receive the same life-changing care that I did. Your support can help ensure that more kids get the treatment, comfort, and expert care they need during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.
Thank you for being part of that mission. 💜
Description
As part of Team Children's, my participation in the 2026 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Feb 13 | Goebel Family Farm | $50.00 |
| Feb 12 | Melissa and Gary Lyons | $50.00 |
| Feb 12 | Bill & Betty Ann Tis | $75.00 |
| Feb 12 | Scott Powner | $50.00 |
| Feb 12 | Harv and Pat Skaugen | $25.00 |
| Feb 12 | Nanny & Pa | $75.00 |
| Feb 12 | Jim & Deb Miller | $50.00 |
| Feb 12 | Audrey Price | $50.00 |
| Feb 12 | Margy Gerhardt | $50.00 |
| Feb 12 | Maryann Jenkins | $50.00 |
