Patient Stories

Known around the world for their outstanding care, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh board-certified neurosurgeons treat babies, children, and young adults with brain and spinal cord diseases or injuries.

These doctors work hand in hand with other pediatric experts — such as neuroimaging, neurocritical care, and even anesthesiology — to provide the best possible outcomes for every child who undergoes neurosurgery.

Meet some of our patients whose lives have been improved by their experiences at UPMC Children’s Hospital.

Delaney’s Story - Epilepsy Patient Story

Years of uncontrolled seizures stripped Delaney O. of her memory, independence, and personality, leaving her family uncertain about her future. After a difficult diagnosis, specialists at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh's Epilepsy Center relentlessly pursued answers. When medications and neurostimulation failed, data‑guided surgery revealed a solution. A temporal lobectomy ended the constant brain “static,” restoring clarity and joy. Now seizure‑free, Delaney has returned to school, regained independence, and embraced her future.

Read Delaney's story

Pituitary Tumor – Neurosurgery

Brooklyn Dando sitting on a horse with her arms spread

A pituitary tumor threatened Brooklyn’s sight — timely surgery at UPMC Children’s gave her life back.

Read Brooklyn's story

Hydrocephalus – Neurosurgery

At 10 days old, Ella Weisbord was diagnosed with E. coli (bacterial) neonatal meningitis that caused hydrocephalus. When her family relocated to Pittsburgh, she found a new medical home at UPMC Children’s where she has undergone many brain surgeries to manage her ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt.

Read Ella's story