$50 million for an autism institute in Philadelphia
What will the city and others around Earth gain from this center?
Using a $50 million gift, Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia will launch the Lurie Autism Institute. The substantial infusion of funds to these highly regarded institutions will lead to gains in knowledge about ASD and how to support individuals who are on the spectrum.
The Lurie family—Nancy Lurie Marks,1 through the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation, and Jeffrey Lurie, owner of an American football team—has a substantial history in supporting advocacy and research about ASD. The Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation has funded projects ranging from music lessons to bereavement and including another center at Massachusetts General Hospital with emphases on clinical, research, and training. Mr. Lurie has a record for promoting autism-centric initiatives such as the Eagles Autism Foundation, which supports services, conducts fundraising activities, and distributes grants for research
Penn Today, a news source from the University of Pennsylvania, quoted Mr. Lurie’s explanation of the donors goals for the project
We established the Lurie Autism Institute to spark a new era of scientific discovery in autism. CHOP and Penn Medicine bring unmatched expertise and a proven record of innovation, and together, they have the tools to unlock answers that have eluded the field for far too long,” says Jeffrey Lurie, Chairman and CEO of the Philadelphia Eagles and founder of the Eagles Autism Foundation. “By investing in cutting-edge science and the infrastructure to move it forward, we’re aiming not just to understand autism more deeply—but to transform what’s possible for individuals and families worldwide.
Penn Medicine is a collaboration among the University of Pennsylvania Health System and the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, often known as CHOP, is noted for its long-standing emphasis on children’s health.
Both CHOP, which has an established research program (Center for Autism Research), and Penn Medicine, through its Autism Spectrum Program of Excellence, are well positioned to capitalize on the funding.
General news sources (and mostly sports sources) have provided coverage:
From the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Harold Brubaker: “Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie and family donate $50 million to CHOP and Penn for autism institute: The donation to CHOP and Penn Medicine will fund a “scientific epicenter,” the Eagles owner said”
Jack McKessy of USA Today: “Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie launches Lurie Autism Institute in Philadelphia”
Patrick Andes for Sports Illustrated: “Eagles Owner Makes Historic Donation to Create Autism Research Institute
Footnote
Nancy Lurie Marks, who had s son with autism and is the mother of Jeffrey Lurie, began funding autism research and services in the 1970s. Here work is continued now by the foundation that bears her name.