In Their Words

In Their Words

The IN THEIR WORDS podcast by UPMC Pinnacle Foundation and UPMC Central Pa. features patient stories, expert insights, and community impact in inspiring interviews.

Episodes

October 14, 2025
standing-with-survivors-part-1

In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Luther, Mental Health Coordinator at the UPMC in Central Pa. Child Advocacy Center in Carlisle. Jordan shares the many ways that mental health coordinators—and the entire dedicated team at the Child Advocacy Center—make a ...

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stories-of-hope-and-healing-part-2-from-nicu-to-now

In Part 2 of Stories of Hope and Healing, we revisit the tiniest patients of UPMC in Central Pa.’s NICU—this time as thriving toddlers. Recorded at the 2025 NICU Reunion, parents of babies born in 2022 share, in their own words, what life was...

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stories-of-hope-and-healing-part-1-inside-the-pediatric-icu

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with two inspiring leaders in pediatric healthcare—Abby Flanders, Executive Administrator at UPMC Central PA, and Dr. Becky Smith, Pediatric ICU physician at UPMC Children’s in Harrisburg. They r...

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life-changing-generosity-part-2-jessica-ritchie

When lifelong philanthropists Bob and Donna Pullo made their planned gift to the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation, they did more than support healthcare and education — they created a legacy that will uplift their community for generations.

In this next p...

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life-changing-generosity-bob-and-donna-pullo

When lifelong philanthropists Robert (Bob) and Donna Pullo thought about leaving a legacy, they knew that they wanted to blend their passion for education and healthcare and make a difference. Their planned gift to the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation will ...

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a-lifesaving-connection-part-2-amy-and-jackie

In this moving episode of In Their Words, we spotlight the unsung heroes behind UPMC Harrisburg's living kidney donor program: Living Donor Coordinator Jackie Stifler and Social Worker and Living Donor Advocate Amy Zook. Together, they guide donors...

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a-lifesaving-connection-david-and-ray-s-transplant-journey

David of Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, was exhausted all the time—sleeping 11 hours a night but still feeling tired. Kidney disease from high blood pressure was slowly stealing his life away.

When doctors said he needed a transplant, David r...

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the-healing-circle-part-2-tammy-s-story

Meet Tammy Siler, a woman whose definition of strength will leave you speechless. After 37 years of battling cancer and surviving four different diagnoses, Tammy's latest challenge came in December 2022 with a stage 3 ovarian cancer diagnosis at UPMC Mem...

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the-healing-circle-real-talk-between-cancer-survivors-and-care-teams

In this inspiring episode, we share highlights from the powerful doctor Q&A panel that concluded UPMC Memorial’s “Walk With Docs” event. After a beautiful evening of connection and community, women's cancer survivors gath...

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beyond-survival-part-1-anita-s-story

In this powerful episode of "In Their Words," we sit down with Anita Grove, a dedicated Social Worker at UPMC Hillman Cancer Center in York and a breast cancer survivor herself. After being diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer in 2009, Anita transformed her...

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beyond-survival-part-1-meet-donna

Join us as we chat with Donna Harvat, a micro pigmentation artist who is giving cancer survivors back their sense of self, an uplifting finishing touch to recovery.

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transformative-tales-upmc-shadyside-school-of-nursing-students-share-life-changing-journeys

Embark on an inspiring journey with us in this special episode, where the heart and soul of UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing come to life through the stories of its students. Join a candid conversation ...

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transformative-tales-ta-liah-jones

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ta-Liah Jones, one of the first graduates from UPMC Shadyside School of Nursing at UPMC Harrisburg's innovative accelerated RN program. Selected by her peers to deliver a moving graduation address to her historic cla...

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from-icu-to-independence-part-2-meet-amy-and-sandy

In this episode of In Their Words, Senior Respiratory Therapists Sandy Gates and Amy Borneo of UPMC Hanover Pulmonary Rehab share their perspective on Holly Brown's inspiring recovery journey. They discuss their approach to patient care, refle...

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from-icu-to-independence-holly-s-journey-part-1

In this inspiring episode of In Their Words, grateful patient Holly Brown shares her journey of survival and recovery after a severe battle with COVID-19. Just weeks after her wedding in fall 2021, Holly was hospitalized with blood clots, pneumon...

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a-labor-of-love-fighting-for-equity-with-diversifying-doulas-part-2

In this compelling follow-up episode of In Their Words, we hear directly from Sabrina Torres, a certified doula with the Diversifying Doulas Initiative. Inspired by her own transformative birthing experience, Sabrina shares he...

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a-labor-of-love-fighting-for-equity-with-diversifying-doulas-part-1

In this powerful episode of In Their Words, Dr. Sharee Livingston discusses the incredible work of the Diversifying Doulas Initiative, a program proudly supported by the UPMC Pinnacle Foundation in partnership with Patients R ...

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no-woman-left-behind-the-healthy-woman-program-part-2

In this heartfelt episode, we sit down with grateful patient Melissa Mann to hear her inspiring story about navigating life without health insurance. Melissa shares how the UPMC Healthy Woman Program has been a lifeline, providing her with ...

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no-woman-left-behind-the-healthy-woman-program-part-1

In this powerful episode, we dive deep into the heart of women's healthcare with two extraordinary professionals on the frontlines of community health. Linda Weibrecht, Nurse Coordinator of the UPMC Healthy Woman Program, and Nancy Cupps, D...

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the-gift-of-gratitude-the-inspiring-story-of-punk-rock-santa-part-2

In this episode, we celebrate Chris Prince, a true hero and living kidney donor who uses his unique platform to spread awareness about the life-saving power of organ donation. Chris isn’t your typical Santa—he’s a Punk Rock Sa...

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