I love days like yesterday. And no, it’s not the Olympics or some new customer win. ANSYS has always been about making a difference. Yesterday, it felt like we made a huge impact on the lives of some children going through a difficult time.

Matt’s Media

I had the privilege of visiting Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh to donate 20 iPads to Matt’s Media 4 Kids with Cancer. This foundation was established 10 years ago to honor Matt Conover, the son of ANSYS employee Dave Conover and his wife Noelle, who lost his battle to childhood cancer.

The Conovers recognized that the gaming and entertainment equipment helped immensely to lift their son’s spirits as he was in treatment, and they wanted every child in the pediatric oncology unit to have access to that technology. It started off modestly as Matt’s Media carts, which offered countless games, movies, controllers and more to these young patients. Today, it has blossomed into an entire room dedicated to provide welcomed distractions with the technology that kids love so much.

ANSYS employee Dave Conover, Noelle Conover and me with the plaque presented to ANSYS

The hard work that the Conover family has dedicated to this project is inspiring. ANSYS is honored to continue donating personal and corporate resources to support their goal of providing entertainment, comfort and happiness to patients and their families. I have always firmly believed – along with the other 2200 ANSYS employees – in helping make the community a better place for all of us.

To see the reactions on these courageous kids’ faces made it all worthwhile. Sometimes we get caught up in the “day-to-day”, however, It pales in comparison to what others are facing. I was overwhelmed by the grace and tenacity of these young people and their families. True inspiration!

With Greg Barrett, President and Chief Development Officer Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation