About Us

Who We Are

Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition (PPCC), a Pennsylvania-based statewide coalition, is a volunteer group of professionals, parents, and community members who provide information and resources for families with children with life-limiting conditions.

Our mission is to provide resources to families, volunteers, and medical professionals caring for children with life-limiting illnesses. We look to a future where all children diagnosed with life-limiting conditions in Pennsylvania will have access to world-class palliative, hospice and end-of-life care.

PPCC is a registered 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.
PPCC relies on donations and grants to promote its mission.

Brief History

2021-2022

PPCC embarks on a capacity-building campaign to grow our organizational staff, financial resources and member engagement so we can provide enhanced resources and support for children, families and providers.

2020

Firefly Chats series is launched to virtually support and connect families.

COVID 19 Virtual Town Hall series supports medical professionals during the pandemic.

2019

Lightning Bug App becomes available for families to use.

Webinar series is introduced as a collaborative partnership.

2018

PPCC receives large grant from the Women’s Board of Pittsburgh, enabling an expansion of resources for families.

PPCC launches a re-envisioned website with Toolkits for families and providers.

2017

PPCC becomes a 501(c) (3) organization.

PPCC is chosen for the Steel City CodeFest and awarded a Forbes Foundation grant to develop the Lightning Bug app.

2016

PPCC hosts second annual statewide conference in Pittsburgh, PA, with increased financial support, attendees, presenters, sponsors and exhibitors.

PPCC becomes a national voice for pediatric palliative care with increased state and federal advocacy efforts. PPCC launches its first membership campaign to diversify and expand funding opportunities.

2015

PPCC hosts first statewide conference in Harrisburg, PA, with over 150 healthcare and pediatric palliative care professionals in attendance. PPCC joins the Patient Quality of Life Coalition (PQLC), a national advocacy group.

2014

PPCC expands reach and resources with an electronic newsletter and the publication of the Care Plan Book.

PPCC collaborates with other statewide groups to increase advocacy efforts.

2013

Advocacy efforts continue as PPCC members meet with Congressional leaders in Harrisburg.

2012

PPCC increases information, resources, marketing and outreach initiatives with an enhanced website.

2011

PPCC continues to build awareness and advocacy, while making an impact across the state with educational programming expanding to include Erie, the Lehigh Valley, and several rural communities.

2010

The leadership and volunteer network of PPCC expands to include families, concerned citizens and medical professionals from hospitals, home health care agencies and hospices across the state.

2009

Helping Hands-Healing Hearts and stakeholders from Liam’s Foundation, PPPCC, and Pennsylvania Children’s Hospice and Palliative Care Coalition, unite to form the Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition (PPCC), with Betsy Hawley named Executive Director.

2008

The Task Force report is published and one of the recommendations is to establish a statewide coalition.

2006

As a result of the efforts of PPPCC and Liam’s Foundation for Pediatric Palliative Care, the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare convenes a Task Force to study Pediatric Palliative and Hospice Care.

2004

The Pittsburgh Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition (PPPCC) is formed under the leadership of Meghan O’Donnell, a bereaved mom and hospice social worker.

2003

The congregation of Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church raises $50,000 to support a new initiative, Helping Hands-Healing Hearts, with the mission of improving the quality of life for children coping with terminal illness.

384 Fox Chapel Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15238 | Contact Betsy Hawley at: betsy@ppcc-pa.org

PPCC is not a health care provider and does not give medical advice or treatment. PPCC does not endorse or recommend any listed facilities, service providers, or support groups herein. PPCC offers the list and information as a resource only. PPCC does not pre-evaluate, or consider the Medicare/Medicaid status of the providers.

The Pediatric Palliative Care Coalition is a registered 501(c) (3) not-for-profit organization.  Donations are tax-deductible according to the IRS’s rules and regulations.  The official registration and financial information for PPCC may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania 1-800-732-0999.