Blog

Not only is Gretta Killeen spending her birthday running her first-ever EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler, but she is also fundraising to support the Cleft-Craniofacial Clinic at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh—the place and medical team that is helping her son get his forever smile.

The Killeen family’s first time hearing the words ‘cleft lip’ was during Gretta’s 20-week ultrasound last December. The diagnosis left Gretta and her husband with a lot of testing, questions, and uncertainty that would not be answered until their baby was born. Researching many websites and buying every special bottle in existence, Gretta did as much as she could to best prepare for her son’s arrival on May 8, 2021. At one week old, healthy baby Jake had his first appointment with the Cleft-Craniofacial team at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. It was then that the medical team advised a plan of action and scheduled his forever smile surgery for December 14, 2021. The level of expertise and care that her family has received at UPMC Children’s is like none other.

While the Killeens are fortunate enough to have great health insurance that will help cover incoming medical bills over the next couple of months, Gretta recognizes that some families do not have the same luxury. With 1 in 700 children born with a cleft lip, she believes that so many children would benefit from seeing some of the top cleft-craniofacial doctors in the nation at UPMC Children’s. Gretta wanted to help relieve some of the medical costs associated with the diagnosis, so more families could get the great care her son Jake has received.

A runner for many years, Gretta explored ways to connect her love for running and her inspiring son that would lead to positive change for many cleft families. She registered for the EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler and decided that she would fundraise for the Cleft-Craniofacial Clinic at UPMC Children’s with a goal of $8,000.

Gretta’s running journey began when she was a recent college graduate looking for a free, no-equipment workout. Running met the criteria and led Gretta to complete many Pittsburgh 5Ks and 10Ks as well as the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon and the FedEx Pittsburgh Marathon Relay over the years. Now with two children under two years old, it can be challenging to make time to go for a run and prioritize self-care postpartum. Gretta found motivation to run by recently finding a group of women who meet daily for 6 a.m. runs.

The Pittsburgh native will take on her first EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler alongside her husband, James. The duo is most excited to run for their son, Jake, and all of the cleft babies who have and will come through the doors of UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

As the most Pittsburgh race ever, it would be biased to say that Pittsburghers are the most generous, inspiring people out there. However, Gretta’s story is concrete evidence to support the argument. Running miles and raising funds for a great cause is something anyone can do at this year’s EQT Pittsburgh 10 Miler. To register and celebrate the generosity and greatness of Pittsburgh, visit https://www.pittsburgh10miler.org/. Interested in helping a fellow Pittsburgher out and supporting Gretta’s cause? Visit her fundraising page HERE.