The Pitterich Foundation began with a mission to raise money for leukemia and bone marrow cancer research. Mr. Pitterich’s brother, Joseph, died from leukemia at age 53. His sister, Susan, was diagnosed with the disease at age 57. The foundation has funded related research at Johns Hopkins and the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

In 2013, Mr. Pitterich was diagnosed with chronic liver disease and told he would need a liver transplant. His personal struggle with liver disease caused him to shift his focus to raising money for the UPMC Center for Liver Diseases. In 2015, he underwent a successful transplant surgery at UPMC. With a first-hand understanding of the challenges transplant candidates face, he continues to contribute to the cause through his foundation.