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Inspiration & Insights
Welcome to our blog—a space where we share stories, insights, and updates from the Lending Hearts community. Subscribe today and be part of our community.


2026 Lending Hearts Gala presented PNC, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center & Pirates Charities
The 2026 Lending Hearts Gala presented by PNC, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center & Pirates Charities took place Thursday, February 19th at the Fairmont Pittsburgh. Once again, we extend great thanks to our wonderful emcee, Mr. Bob Pompeani, for his great generosity and support in being part of this event each year. Lending Hearts had the great privilege of presenting this year's Lending Hearts Friend Award to cancer survivor and owner of Chip Ganassi Racing, Mr. Chip Ganassi. Mr. Ga
Lending Hearts
Feb 25
Lending Hearts on KDKA-TV Sunday Spotlight
On Sunday, February 8, 2026, KDKA-TV reporter, Megan Shinn, featured Lending Hearts on the Sunday Spotlight. This interview included Lending Hearts Founder & Executive Director, Vasso Paliouras, and Lending Hearts mom and Board of Directors Member, Lacie Spagnolo. Lacie opened her heart to share her family's journey with their incredible son, Jimmy. To see the full report and video, click HERE . We've also shared the text below... When cancer diagnoses bring the unknown, Lend
vassop
Feb 24


Meet Penelope!
Thursday, February 19, 2026 was the 14th annual Lending Hearts Gala presented by PNC, UPMC Hillman Cancer Center & Pirates Charities. Every year at the Gala, a Lending Hearts family is invited to share their personal journey. This year, we were honored to recognize our 10 year old friend, Penelope, and her wonderful family. It is an honor and privlege to share Penelope's story. Her mom, Kylie, shares the following: Childhood cancer is something most people think happens to ot
Lending Hearts
Feb 24


Meet This Year's Tropical Prince & Princess
Saturday, September 27, 2025 will be this year's Tropical 5K Classic. Lending Hearts is honored to be part of this wonderful event. In...
Lending Hearts
Sep 19, 2025


Mars Area Youth Football & Cheerleading
During the month of September 2025, Mars Area Youth Football & Cheerleading are raising awareness of childhood cancer by recognizing a...
Lending Hearts
Sep 13, 2025


Meet Adam
His mom, Karlyn, shares the following... Adam (13 yo) was diagnosed with stage 3 Hodgkin’s on 2:28:25 after undergoing a few short weeks...
Lending Hearts
Sep 12, 2025


Meet the Gray Family
At the gala each year, we have the great honor of sharing one of our wonderful Lending Hearts families. This year, we are pleased to...
Lending Hearts
Apr 3, 2025


Pirates Charities Spotlight on Lending Hearts
On Saturday, September 7, 2024, the Pittsburgh Pirates hosted the annual cancer support night. Pirates Charities created a spotlight on...
Lending Hearts
Sep 9, 2024


Kennedy's Story
On Thursday, February 1, 2024, our friend, Kennedy, and her family were recognized at the 2024 Lending Hearts Gala presented by UPMC...
Lending Hearts
Feb 7, 2024


Kennedy's Story
Kennedy is an energetic 8 year old that loves to swim, play outside, play softball, basketball & craft! She is also a Girl Scout. During...
Lending Hearts
Jun 27, 2023


Leo's Story
Our strong and courageous Lending Hearts Friend, Leo, and his family, share their journey and story with us.
Lending Hearts
Mar 14, 2023


Scarlett's Story
One of our very special Lending Hearts friends, Scarlett, has touched our hearts in so many ways. Read her full story on our blog.
Lending Hearts
Dec 1, 2022


Jimmy's day with the Pittsburgh Pirates
We are over the top happy for our amazing Lending Hearts Friend, Jimmy, and his family for the experience they got to have with the...
Lending Hearts
Aug 21, 2022


Kayden the Warrior
This year, Lending Hearts is honored to partner with the Pittsburgh Pirates to bring families to select homestand games and take part in...
Lending Hearts
Aug 7, 2022


Discussion with Author of Cycle of Lives, Mr. David Richman
David Richman, Author of the highly inspirational book, Cycle of Lives, shares the next hour discussing why and how he came to write this...
Lending Hearts
Apr 27, 2022


Gianna's Story
At two and a half years old, and almost three months before her brother would be born, our daughter, Gianna, was diagnosed with cancer....
Lending Hearts
Mar 6, 2022


Matthew's Story: From a Mother's Perspective
It is my privilege to tell you Matthew’s story, our family’s story, from a mother’s perspective.
Lending Hearts
Feb 18, 2022


Alia's Story
In August of 2015, I began having discomfort in the back of my right leg. I remember attending a friend’s engagement party and having to...
Lending Hearts
Oct 7, 2021


Riley's Story
Riley Balcita was a normal, healthy 8-year-old boy on September 28, 2016, who loves school, is a giraffe fanatic, and playing with legos...
Lending Hearts
Sep 9, 2021


Samantha's 10 Years
Hi everyone, my name is Samantha and I have been a friend of Lending Hearts for 10 years now! When I first heard from Vasso about Lending...
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Jun 24, 2021
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