Artwork by Ginny Fronk

Dedicated to the memory of Lori Lucas (1964-2018); may her legacy and love live on through Stitches with Hope, one smile at a time, one outfit at a time. 

In 2015, Stitches with Hope was conceived on the virtue that clothing provides a means for the holistic care of children undergoing treatment, sustaining dignity, individuality, and an enlightened spirit of hope while coping with challenging circumstances. The mission of Stitches with Hope is to provide new clothing to pediatric patients at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh conducive for their use as an inpatient and upon discharge from the hospital.

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From 2015 - 2018, over $11,280 was raised and moved to the Stitches with Hope Fund at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh in October 2018 for the purchase of clothing by Child Life. To date, over $20,000 has been raised. The fund has been used to provide children and families with clothing, which has been particularly meaningful during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Stitches with Hope was inspired and created out of the experience of a very special four year old inpatient at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. Left without parents, she was confused, suffering from injury, and filled with uncertainty and fear as she was about to be introduced to new foster parents. Dressed in a hospital gown, she had no clothing.

A caring student volunteer at the hospital made sure that this little girl received clothing fit for a four-year-olds’ delight. Most inspiring to everyone was her remarkable response after being given her new clothing. Her spirit immediately uplifted, the pain she suffered was forgotten as she donned the new clothing along with a whole new disposition and hope filled outlook. It was obvious in her smile that dignity was regained as she looked forward to wearing her new outfit to meet her foster parents.

Doctors have abundantly proclaimed the healing value of a person’s healthy spirit, benefiting patients and loving family members alike. The hospital environment when viewed through the eyes of an inpatient, especially with children, is often intimidating and dehumanizing from having their identity reduced to a wristband and a hospital gown.

Please consider giving to the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, in care of the Stitches with Hope Fund. Your donation will help children cope with challenging circumstances, and assist them in the healing process while sustaining their dignity, individuality, and an enlightened spirit of hope.

Tax deductible donations can be made online, or by check made out to Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, and noting on the subject line of the check “c/o Stitches w/ Hope Fund”. Donations should be sent to the following address.

Mail checks to:
UPMC Children’s Hospital Foundation
ATTN: Community Fundraising, Clay Rehm
4401 Penn Avenue
Pittsburgh PA 15