Grant Presented to Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC
On April 16, 2011 at the Region II Spring Meeting, Foundation Board members Chet Maciejewski and Dale Brackin presented a check for $5.000 to the Cleft-Craniofacial Center of Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC.
 |
 |
The presentation started with Matt Ford of Children's Hospital showing pictures of different kinds of cleft palate. He explained the different types of treatment and told us that the procedures are done over years as the patient ages. For example, some of the repairs can not be completed until the permanent teeth are in place. The before, during and after pictures of the patients were truly amazing.
The Foundation's contribution will be used to start a fund to reimburse patients for out of pocket expenses incurred for follow up care. These expenses, such as gas, meals and overnight accommodations, are not covered by the patients' insurance. Children's Hospital treats patients from such a wide area that some can not afford the expenses to return to the hospital for additional visits. When the follow up visits are interrupted, the results of the treatment are impacted.
This grant marks the first collaboration between the Pennsylvania Kiwanis Foundation and Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. The Foundation board is excited and hopeful that this will lead to future partnerships between the Foundation and Children's Hospital.