Phila.gov
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie is making a major contribution to autism research in Philadelphia.
He is donating $50 million to create a new institute that will help change lives.
The donation will establish the Lurie Autism Institute, a partnership between Penn Medicine and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The gift, from the Lurie family, is the largest single donation to U.S. academic medical centers focused on autism research.
“For 70 years my family has been challenged by presence of autism. Our brother has been an inspiration and kind soul to all of us,” said Lurie during a news conference on Tuesday.
One in 31 children lives with autism spectrum disorder.
Connecting scientists, clinicians, families, students, and donors, this first-of-its-kind center will explore autism from all angles.
“I can’t say when the breakthrough will happen. Tomorrow, in a week, 20 years from now but it’s going to happen,” said Kevin Mahoney, CEO of Penn Medicine.