The Harpey K
Foundation’s
Mission in Spina
Bifida Research
Together for Tomorrow.
The Harpey K Foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of children with spina bifida by driving innovative research, personalized care, and robust community support. Inspired by Harper, the foundation collaborates with leading institutions like the University of Pittsburgh Research Neural Engineering Lab (RNEL) and Children's Hospital of Philadelphia to advance breakthroughs in treatment and rehabilitation.
By emphasizing individualized care, our mission is to empower families and enhance outcomes for young patients, ensuring that every child receives the tailored support they need to thrive.
Join us in our journey to transform spina bifida care and make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
3rd Annual Harpey K Foundation Fundraising Event Packages
September 3-4, 2026
Join us for a night to remember with emcee Bob Pompeani and hear from the world’s leading researchers in Spina Bifida. Learn about the foundations progress over the last two years and the plans for the future. Not to mention, fabulous auction items, dinner and drinks at the Club at Nevillewood.
*Please note, if you’d like to wave the 3% processing fee ($7.75) mail a check for $250 to the Harpey K Foundation | attn Shannon Nieman | 22 Rutgers Rd Pittsburgh PA 15205
Foursome at Laurel Valley Golf club including lunch and awards following golf. Includes 4 ticket to dinner on September 3 at the Club at Nevillewood.
*Please note, if you are planning to mail a check you can wave the $155 processing fee and simply mail $5,000.
Tee Sign Recognition at the Laurel Valley Golf outing in a highly visible location near the reception area.
*Please note: if you’d prefer to wave the 3% credit card fee ($15.45) and mail. acheck for $500 please send it to the Harpey K Foundation attn: Shannon Nieman | 22 Rutgers Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15205
Meet the Team
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Jesse & Patrick Kenning
FOUNDERS HARPERS PARENTS
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Dr. Greg Heuer
DIRECTOR PRENATAL & NEONATAL NEUROSURGERY, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL PHILADELPHIA
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Dr. Mike Boninger
DIRECTOR, REHAB NEURAL ENGINEERING LAB, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
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Dr. Lee Fisher, PhD
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHAB, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
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Dr. Adam Kundishora
PEDIATRIC NEUROSURGEON, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL PHILADELPHIA
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Dr. Rob Gaunt, PhD
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHAB, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
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Dr. Bailey Petersen PhD, DPT
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHAB, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
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Dr. Jason Batavia
PEDIATRIC UROLOGIST, CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL OF PHILADELPHIA
