Driving Access to Care: How the Diehl Transportation Fund Helped 2,600+ Families Reach UPMC Children’s in 2025

At Diehl Automotive, our commitment to the communities we serve goes far beyond our showroom. Reliable transportation can mean the difference between receiving critical medical care and missing an important appointment—especially for families with medically complex children.

That’s why we’re proud to support the Diehl Family and Friends Endowed Fund for Transportation, which continues to make a meaningful impact for families visiting UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

The Transportation Barrier Many Families Face

For many parents, getting their child to a pediatric appointment is something they take seriously—but it’s not always easy. Families dealing with financial hardship, language barriers, or complex medical needs often face major transportation challenges.

For some, the cost of parking or rideshare services can be overwhelming. Others may not have access to a vehicle at all. When these barriers pile up, even routine medical visits can become nearly impossible.

Programs like the Medical Assistance Transportation Program (MATP) help many families, but they don’t always cover every need—especially for children who require additional caregivers or specialized care during travel.

A Lifeline for Families

In 2025, the Diehl Family and Friends Endowed Fund for Transportation, working alongside a network of generous donors, helped provide:

2,673 roundtrip rides for families traveling to pediatric appointments at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.

These rides ensured children could access the care they need—while relieving families of the financial and logistical burdens that often stand in the way.

Real Families, Real Impact

Behind every ride is a story.

Phoebe’s Journey

Phoebe is a medically complex infant who requires several pieces of medical equipment, including oxygen tanks, a feeding pump, suction equipment, and a chest vest. For her mother, Sherry, simply leaving the house can feel overwhelming.

Without a car and with so much equipment to manage, getting Phoebe to the hospital would be nearly impossible without help.

Transportation vouchers provided through the fund allow Sherry to travel directly from home to the hospital using rideshare services, ensuring Phoebe never misses the specialized care she needs.

Marco’s Story

Marco’s family faces a different challenge. As a Spanish-speaking household without access to transportation, simply coordinating travel to appointments can be difficult.

Marco is also medically complex and has behavioral challenges that require two adults to accompany him during transport. Unfortunately, MATP only allows one caregiver to ride with the patient, making it difficult for both parents to attend appointments.

Through the transportation fund, rideshare vouchers allow both parents to travel with Marco—ensuring he receives the support he needs during every visit.

Connecting Families to Care

Stories like Phoebe’s and Marco’s highlight how something as simple as a ride can transform access to healthcare. What may seem like a small logistical challenge can quickly become a barrier to lifesaving treatment.

Thanks to the generosity of donors and partners, the Diehl Family and Friends Endowed Fund continues to serve as a vital bridge—connecting families with the medical providers who care for their children.

Thank You to Our Community

We’re grateful to stand alongside our community and partners in supporting families across our region. Together, we’re helping ensure every child has access to timely, compassionate, patient-centered care.

At Diehl Automotive, we believe transportation should never stand between a child and the healthcare they deserve.