Hello Family and Friends!

We are coming up on the 10th anniversary of June's diagnosis of Adrenal Insufficiency. Over the past several years, we have spent many days and nights at the Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Between their exceptional medical teams and their supportive patient and family services, Tony and I are so grateful to have them in our own backyard!

Adrenal Insufficiency is a rare adrenal disease that occurs when the adrenal glands do not produce the hormones cortisol and aldosterone, which are essential for life. 

Each trip that we take to Children's, we bring home a different kind of experience. Instead of dwelling on the emotional experiences, we like to focus on what makes Children's so great. I think the most important thing that helps keep us strong during tough times is the fact that June is never afraid to go to the hospital when she needs to go. My earliest memory of her strength and bravery was one late night when she was three-years-old. She had become quite sick and very weak. Tony and I knew it was time to take her to the Children's ER, and as we were loading her into the car, she said, "I need to go to the hopsical." (She called it the 'hopsical' for a long time, it was almost sad when she learned to pronounce it correctly!) June knew exactly what was in store for her that night, and despite the inevitable poking and prodding, she knew that the doctors were there to help her and to make her feel better...she wasn't afraid.

During hospital stays, June has received blankets, stuffed animals, coloring books, puzzles, art supplies, and more. She had a virtual visit from Santa one Christmas season, and is always the first one on the list for visits from the hospital's therapy dogs! June's favorite hospital activity is spending as much time as possible in one of their playrooms, which are fully stocked with games, toys, movies, video games, and arts and crafts galore! When not well enough to leave her room, the wonderful volunteers of Children's bring the playroom to her!

Community fundraising helps Children’s provide hope and healing to sick kids and families. Your support can help Children’s Hospital continue to be a leader in pediatric health care – advancing research of childhood conditions and diseases, developing new and improved therapies, as well as adding to and maintaining the programs and services available for sick children during their hospital stays.

We are fundraising for Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation to help give kids a chance to be kids!

If you would like to help us reach our fundraising goal by making a donation, please use the Donate Now link on this page.

Thank you for your support as our family walks for Children’s on June 6!

With many thanks,

Whitney, Tony, June, and Charlie