The Best Thing for Him: Miller’s Treatment for HLHS

Before he was even born, Miller was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). A rare congenital heart defect in which the left side of the heart is extremely underdeveloped, HLHS prevents normal blood flow through the heart.

Home Away from Home: How Zoey’s Medical Team Kept Her Comfortable

Zoey’s journey at UPMC Children’s began with a few minor but unsettling symptoms. The four-year–old began experiencing random fevers and soon stopped eating altogether. Her concerned mother, Asterria, sought answers from their local hospital. The diagnosis was strep throat—an explanation that didn’t quite fit the severity of Zoey’s condition. Determined to find an answer, Asterria […]

Moving Mountains: Kenny’s Remarkable Recovery

On March 4, 2024, Emily experienced what can only be described as every parent’s worst nightmare. She was holding her 2-year-old, Kenny, in her lap, attempting to rock the toddler to sleep. Suddenly, Kenny grabbed her chest, vomited, and went limp in her mother’s arms. Panic-stricken, Emily immediately called 911. Kenny was rushed to the […]

Ariel Memorial CrossFit Fundraiser

This past May, Sonya Silvaggio and her fellow CrossFit enthusiasts hosted the 5th Annual Ariel Memorial WOD (Workout of the Day), a heart-pumping fundraiser to honor Sonya’s late daughter.

A Hospital Reunion, Decades in the Making

When Matt Kocher and Victor Flinko met nearly 20 years ago during their treatments at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, then located in the Oakland neighborhood, they had no reason to believe that they would someday meet again.

Jack’s Journey with CPTII at UPMC Children’s

Jack is a kind, smart, determined 8-year-old. He is obsessed with playing soccer in his hometown of Fort Gratiot, MI — something his parents, Allison and Matt, thought he might never be able to do.