PITTSBURGH - For Pitt quarterback Heintschel, leadership isn’t something that starts once the huddle breaks or ends when the game is over. On Monday, he put that idea into action by launching “Have a Heart,” a fundraising campaign that will benefit the Heart Institute at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh.
Heintschel introduced the effort alongside Pitt leaders, hospital representatives and families whose lives have been shaped by cardiac care. For him, the campaign is a way to use the spotlight that comes with football for something bigger.
"My football career has given me really great opportunities and a really great platform," Heintschel said. "I'm glad to be able to use that for something bigger than the game of football."
The connection runs deeper than a public cause. Heintschel wears No. 6 in honor of Lukas Mason, a close childhood friend who died after being struck by a vehicle in 2020. Lukas became an organ donor and gave lifesaving gifts to six people.
That loss has stayed with Heintschel since long before he became Pitt’s starting quarterback, and now his friend’s memory is part of a campaign aimed at helping children dealing with serious heart conditions.
"Just to see that he was able to help somebody else out, it puts a smile on your face," Heintschel said. "It's truly a miracle."
The “Have a Heart” campaign is designed to raise money and awareness for the Heart Institute, with support going toward specialized care, research and clinical programs for children and their families.
UPMC Children’s Hospital President Diane Hupp praised Heintschel for understanding the responsibility that comes with his platform.
"I thank you for what you do on the field, but today, this is about what you are leading off the field," Hupp said.
One of the most meaningful faces in the room belonged to 6-year-old Sloane, who attended the announcement with her mother, Nora Belansen-Hart. Sloane lived with congenital heart defects and waited three years for a donor before receiving a heart transplant on May 28.
Heintschel had met Sloane’s family while they were still waiting, so seeing her again - recovering and thriving - gave the campaign a real human face.
"Being able to find a donor and get that kind of help and support is truly something special," Heintschel said. "It's a blessing."
For Belansen-Hart, the effort means more than money. It tells families going through hard medical journeys that Pitt is paying attention and willing to help.
"To have a community at Pitt truly see these kids, and not just see them, but put forth the effort and actually try to do something-it's amazing," Belansen-Hart said.
Allen Greene, Pitt’s director of athletics, and head football coach Pat Narduzzi joined Heintschel at the announcement, underscoring the long-running relationship between Pitt Football and UPMC Children’s.
Players past and present have supported the hospital through visits, donations and individual fundraising efforts, and Heintschel is now adding his own piece to that history.
"It's inspiring," Hupp said. "He obviously sees something more than his career in football. He wants to give back."
Heintschel will start his sophomore season when Pitt hosts Bucknell on Sept. 5 at Acrisure Stadium, and the No. 6 on his jersey will continue to carry the memory of his friend every time he steps on the field.
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