Stories

Our Inspiration

Be inspired by remarkable individuals who have been part of Lending Hearts. Each one leaves their handprint on the heart of our organization.

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Meet the 2026 Tropical Prince & Princess!

Saturday, September 19, 2026 will be the Tropical 5K Classic. Each year, this family, fun obstacle course 5K is focused on the Tropical Prince and Princess. Please meet this year's royal court as shared by their respective parents... Meet OurTropical Prince Camden, or CourageousCAM, as we like to call him, is a fun-loving, energetic, and kind-hearted 7-year-old who brings joy to everyone he meets. Whether he’s flipping through his gymnastics moves, chasing a soccer ball, step

Meet Our Friend!

Meet our friend, Elliot! At the 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates Cancer Support game, Elliot caught the opening pitch. Here is what Elliot's family shared about his journey... Elliot is a fifteen year old boy from Shanksville PA who was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma in May of 2026 and currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments at Pittsburgh Children's Hospital. He will be starting his Sophomore year at Shanksville Stonycreek Highschool this year. Elliot enjoys fishing, hunting, G

Meet Our Friend!

Meet our friend, Dominic! At the 2026 Pittsburgh Pirates Cancer Support game, Dominic threw out the opening pitch. This was also his very first Pirates game!! Here is what Dominic's mom shared about his journey... "Dominic's journey hasn't been an easy one. To summarize the past few years, in 2023, he underwent surgery to lengthen his tendons in his calf, ankle and foot/toes. His foot had turned almost completely backwards. This would be a routine surgery as he grows. The fol

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 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

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