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A Pennsylvania family experienced tragedy and hope in the NICU. Now they’re helping thousands of others.

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A Pennsylvania family experienced tragedy and hope in the NICU. Now they’re helping thousands of others.


PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — A mission to bless families one miracle at a time began 15 years ago when the Smith family from Erie had twins at UPMC Magee Women’s Hospital in Pittsburgh. 

Gianna and her brother Grady came 14 weeks early, weighing only two pounds. Grady lived for 52 hours.  After he passed, Gianna’s condition deteriorated and doctors told them to prepare for another funeral.  But then, a miracle happened, according to dad Ryan. 

“And we said, ‘man, what an awesome way to tell Gianna’s story of making it through the NICU journey, but let’s honor Grady and his life, and let’s take both of these stories and let’s help one baby at a time,’” he said.   

Ryan and his wife received support from people in Pittsburgh during their stay in the city.  And the family pledged to pay it forward, creating the nonprofit organization Grady’s Decision. They provide emotional, financial and spiritual support for families with babies in the NICU and families who have babies with special medical needs. From transportation to lodging, to meals and other resources, the nonprofit has already served 3,500 families in northwestern Pennsylvania. 

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“Fifteen years ago right here in Pittsburgh, we started our journey,” said Smith. “So excited that we’re launching that same mission that we do in northwestern Pennsylvania right here in Pittsburgh.”  

Mosaic Wealth Consulting just adopted the nonprofit as its charity partner, holding a client appreciation event as a fundraiser on The Gateway Clipper. Niki Mullinix, an advisor with Astyr Wealth, was a NICU mom herself 12 years ago, and felt the love and support from Grady’s Decision. She pledged to one day help to expand its outreach in Pittsburgh.

“And this is our time! So when we decided, as a team, to adopt Grady’s as a charity, it goes a long way in my heart because Grady’s was actually there for me in my time of need,” Mullinix said. 

Smith says the name of the organization comes from a place of heartbreak that turned into hope and healing for others.

“We thought it was our decision to let Grady go. Years later we would realize it was always Grady’s decision to go to heaven so so many other people could be loved,” Smith said.

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You can learn more about the campaign at gradysdecision.com.



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Pittsburg, PA

Plum Borough parents charged with supplying alcohol for underage drinking party

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Plum Borough parents charged with supplying alcohol for underage drinking party



Two parents are facing charges after police say more than 60 teenagers were drinking at a large party in their Plum Borough home.

According to court paperwork, Ian and Corrine Dryburgh have been charged with endangering the welfare of children, corruption of minors, and furnishing liquor to minors stemming from the incident that happened at a home in Plum Borough late last month.

Police said that officers went to the home after receiving a tip about a large party involving high school aged children.

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When officers arrived at the home, they found numerous teenagers, empty beer cans and empty seltzer cans, and multiple bottles of vodka.

The parents told police that a birthday party for their 17-year-old daughter got out of hand and that some kids has been kicked out, but more came and they didn’t know what to do.

According to the criminal complaint, officers said they had been called to the home two previous times for similar reasons. 

Police said a total of 66 underage kids were at the home.

Court records show that both parents have been cited via summons and preliminary hearings are scheduled for mid-April. 

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Pirates Winning Streak Ends With Loss to Cardinals

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Pirates Winning Streak Ends With Loss to Cardinals


PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have had a strong showing so far in the Grapefruit League, but suffered a surprising defeat.

The Pirates lost 3-2 to the St. Louis Cardinals at LECOM Park in Bradenton, Fla., taking just their third defeat in Spring Training so far, dropping to 9-3 in the Grapefruit League.

Pittsburgh saw their five-game winning streak come to an end, but they are still level with the New York Yankees at the top of the Grapefruit League standings.

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This game also came after the first off day for the Pirates on March 4 and a 7-1 win over Team Colombia in an exhibition at LECOM Park on March 3.

How the Pirates Fell to the Cardinals

Pirates right-handed pitcher Mitch Keller made his third start in the Grapefruit League and threw three scoreless innings, before giving up a solo home run to Cardinals third baseman Nolan Gorman on a slider down in the zone, putting the road team up 1-0 in the top of the fourth inning.

That represented the first run that Keller gave up all Spring Training and Pirates left-handed relief pitcher Derek Diamond came in for him after he gave up a single to Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker.

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Keller has just a 1.23 ERA over 7.1 innings for the Pirates in the Grapefruit League, a good start for the veteran on the starting rotation.

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St. Louis loaded the bases against Pirates left-handed relief pitcher Evan Sisk in the top of the fifth inning with three walks, but Sisk struckout top prospect in shortstop JJ Wetherholt and forced Gorman into a double play to keep it a one-run game.

Sep 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Evan Sisk (51) delivers a pitch during the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: James A. Pittman-Imagn Images | James A. Pittman-Imagn Images
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Pirates right-handed relief pitcher Chris Devenski gave up a run in the top of the sixth inning, as he walked second baseman Ramón Urías, who stole second base, then gave up a single to catcher Pedro Pagés, doubling the Cardinals’ lead at 2-0.

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The Pirates tied the game up at 2-2 in the bottom of the sixth inning, as shortstop Alika Williams hit a two-run home run off of Cardinals left-handed pitcher Quinn Mathews.

Pirates right-handed relief pitcher Cam Sanders gave up the go-ahead run in the top of the eighth inning, hitting leadoff batter Joshua Baez with a pitch and then giving up a single to pinch-hitter Jimmy Crooks to make it 3-2.

Right fielder Ryan O’Hearn had a strong showing for the Pirates in the loss to the Cardinals with two hits in two at-bats. He is now slashing .462/.563/.769 for an OPS of 1.332 in six Grapefruit League games.

Outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia had a hit off the bench for the Pirates, as he is now slashing .533/.611/.733 for an OPS of 1.344 in seven games.

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Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!



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As his polarizing Pitt career winds down, a banged-up Cam Corhen has saved his best for last

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As his polarizing Pitt career winds down, a banged-up Cam Corhen has saved his best for last






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