Marsh Hosts Lladró Raffle in Support of Neonatal Care at Magee
 For 70 years, The Twenty-Five Club of Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC has remained committed to supporting infant care and neonatology research. In November 2009, The Twenty-Five Club’s president Debbie Barbarita solicited Marsh, the largest risk and insurance broker in the world, to be the first Gold Sponsor for their 70th anniversary luncheon. The luncheon raised funds for Magee’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).
The Twenty-Five Club presented a unique Lladró porcelain sculpture better known as the “Lucky Frog” to Marsh in recognition of their sponsorship. In return, Michael Barbarita, Marsh’s Managing Director-Head of Office, organized an employee raffle for this unique piece with all proceeds benefitting the neonatology unit at Magee. Hundreds of tickets were sold and nearly $250 was raised.
“With a number of colleagues benefiting from the NICU at Magee, it [the raffle] seemed to be [a] good way to give back,” said Mr. Barbarita. “This allowed the Marsh employees the opportunity to support the organization in a small way.”
Marsh employee, Lori Santelli was elated upon hearing she had won the Lucky Frog sculpture. “I feel great,” said Lori. “It is actually pretty appropriate that I won.”
In April 2008, Lori was referred to Magee when she experienced complications during her pregnancy with twins Joseph Robert and Elizabeth Anne.
Following a diagnosis of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes, doctors immediately admitted Lori to the hospital. She was kept on bed rest for several days as the Magee staff closely monitored her blood pressure.
After a couple days, Lori’s blood pressure remained elevated and her doctors agreed that a C-section was necessary to safely deliver her babies.
Born prematurely at 34 weeks gestation, Joseph and Elizabeth weighed 4.5 and 4.8 pounds respectively. They remained in the NICU for about two weeks before they were strong enough to go home. Today, Joseph and Elizabeth are 20 months old and thriving.
With more babies born prematurely each year, advanced medical treatment is pertinent in giving these fragile infants a chance at life. Thanks to Marsh’s support and the longstanding commitment of The Twenty-Five Club to Magee, more tiny patients are given the care they need to lead healthy lives.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING: Neonatal Intensive Care
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