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Help Julie raise money

For participating in 2027 DICK'S Sporting Goods Pittsburgh Marathon Weekend

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My Story…

This May, I'm running my first half marathon (13.1 miles) in support of UPMC Children's Hospital Foundation, which supports pediatric research, family services, and child life programs that bring comfort and joy to patients and families at UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. After joining the Foundation team, my first tour of Children's left me amazed by the thought and care that go into making the hospital experience better for kids and their families. On a personal note, my late father, Patrick O'Brien, received incredible care through UPMC while battling a rare cancer, and research advancements gave us more years with him. Having experienced the long hospital stays, tests, and uncertainty alongside him, I know he would never want a child to have to go through something similar. I'll be running with my dad in my heart and all the kids at Children's in mind, hoping every little one gets the chance to just be a kid. ❤️

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
Nov 13 Marie & Bob Sloan With you as you run with your Dad in your heart ! 💝 🕊️ $100.00