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Lending Hearts Provides Joy and Support for Kids Fighting Cancer
Pittsburgh nonprofit offers experiences, resources, and community for families facing the unknown of pediatric cancer diagnoses.
Published on Feb. 8, 2026
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Lending Hearts, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit, provides support and community for children and teens fighting cancer. Founded by Vasso Paliouras after her sister's cancer diagnosis, the organization offers free events, outings, and resources to help families create joyful memories and find support during the difficult journey of pediatric cancer treatment. For families like Lacie Spagnolo's, whose 4-month-old son Jimmy was diagnosed with a brain tumor, Lending Hearts has been a lifeline, offering an escape from the everyday struggles and unknown path of cancer.
Why it matters
Pediatric cancer diagnoses bring immense uncertainty and upheaval for families. Lending Hearts steps in to provide a sense of normalcy, community, and joy during these challenging times, recognizing that experiences beyond just medical treatment are essential for the healing process.
The details
Lending Hearts was founded 15 years ago by Vasso Paliouras, who was inspired to start the nonprofit after her own sister was diagnosed with cancer in high school. The organization offers a variety of free events and outings for children and teens with cancer, including ice skating, symphony performances, and attending Pirates games. Beyond just the events, Lending Hearts also provides support groups and other resources to help families cope with the emotional and practical challenges of a pediatric cancer diagnosis. For families like the Spagnolo's, whose 4-month-old son Jimmy was diagnosed with a rare brain tumor, Lending Hearts has been a lifeline, offering an escape from the uncertainty of Jimmy's condition and the everyday struggles of cancer treatment.
- Jimmy Spagnolo was diagnosed with a brain tumor at 4 months old.
- Lending Hearts was founded 15 years ago.
The players
Lacie Spagnolo
Mother of Jimmy Spagnolo, a 4-month-old diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Jimmy Spagnolo
4-month-old diagnosed with a rare brain tumor.
Vasso Paliouras
Founder of Lending Hearts, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that provides support and community for children and teens fighting cancer.
Lending Hearts
A Pittsburgh nonprofit that offers free events, outings, support groups, and resources for families of children and teens fighting cancer.
What they’re saying
“Every day that I have him, still till this day, is that gift and I know it.”
— Lacie Spagnolo, Mother of Jimmy Spagnolo (CBS News)
“We want everyone to walk away knowing that it's not about the diagnosis, it's about living.”
— Vasso Paliouras, Founder of Lending Hearts (CBS News)
“To have a space where we can go and find our own form of medicine, which is talking and relating and having fun and living life.”
— Lacie Spagnolo, Mother of Jimmy Spagnolo (CBS News)
What’s next
Lending Hearts plans to continue expanding its offerings and reaching more families in need of support and community during pediatric cancer treatment.
The takeaway
In the face of the unknown and uncertainty that comes with a pediatric cancer diagnosis, Lending Hearts provides a vital lifeline of joy, normalcy, and community support for families navigating this difficult journey.
