Pittsburg, PA
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.
“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.
You can learn more about the campaign at gradysdecision.com.
Pittsburg, PA
Steelers Have Weekly Plans for Justin Fields
The Pittsburgh Steelers have put their plan to increase quarterback Justin Fields’ involvement in motion, though it’s not yet a completely ironed-out component of the offense.
Per the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Ray Fittipaldo, Fields stated that the Steelers have a package in place for him every week, though it isn’t always clear how or when he’ll be utilized.
“I have a set package each and every week,” Fields said. “I think the play-calling is random to be honest with you. It’s kind of a feel thing with Arthur [Smith]. How I’m going to be used is a question for him honestly.”
After logging three snaps and rushing for 17 yards in Pittsburgh’s Week 11 win over the Baltimore Ravens, Fields saw his reps more than doubled to seven in a Week 12 loss to the Cleveland Browns.
The highlight of the 25-year-old’s day was a 30-yard run in the fourth quarter that advanced the Steelers into Cleveland territory, with the drive resulting in a Jaylen Warren touchdown. Fields’ two other attempts on the ground went for a combined -4 yards.
Pittsburgh also put their trust in him through the air on a 3rd-and-4 play while up 19-18 with 3:34 left in the contest. On his first throw since Week 6, Fields targeted George Pickens down the field but couldn’t complete the connection, which brought on the punt unit.
The Browns scored on their ensuing possession before thwarting the Steelers’ final scoring attempt of the night to clinch the victory.
Russell Wilson, who went 21-for-28 with 270 yards and a touchdown, also shared his uncertainty as to how and when Fields would be inserted into games moving forward.
“I don’t know when it’s going to happen,” Wilson said. “Whenever it does, all I want us to do is win. When Justin gets in there I’m rooting for Justin to do great and make a big play. When I go back in, it’s vice versa. We’re always rooting for each other.”
The Steelers haven’t been quiet about their intentions to continue featuring Fields. While things didn’t shake their way against the Browns as they perfect those arrangements, it’s fair to assume they’ll continue to ramp up his participation as the season continues on.
Make sure to bookmark Steelers On SI to get all your daily Pittsburgh Steelers news, interviews, breakdowns and more!
Pittsburg, PA
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Pittsburg, PA
Wisconsin storms back against Pittsburgh to win Greenbrier Tip-Off
The Wisconsin Badgers are the 2024 Greenbrier Tip-Off champions.
Wisconsin, ranked No. 19 in the nation, improved to 7-0 by coming back from a double-digit deficit to defeat Pittsburgh (6-1) 81-75 Sunday evening in West Virginia. The comeback completed a sweep of the showcase, having defeated Central Florida in their first game of the tip-off on Friday afternoon.
John Tonje led the Badgers with 33 points. The star guard was 11-of-19 shooting and a perfect 10-of-10 from the free-throw line. It’s his second 30-point game of the season; his first was a 41-point explosion in Wisconsin’s win over then-No. 9 Arizona on Nov. 15.
Pittsburgh jumped out to a 20-8 lead nearly 10 minutes into the first half before the Badgers clawed back to within 34-27 at the half.
In the second half, Pittsburgh kept the Badgers at bay, leading 50-45 with 12:22 to go before Wisconsin went on a run and grew a lead to 71-64 with 4:15 remaining.
The Badgers have scored at least 79 points in all seven games this season, which is a program first.
Up next: Wisconsin vs. Chicago State, Nov. 30 at 7 p.m. CT.
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