Philadelphia (WPVI) — Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie is making a significant commitment to autism research in Philadelphia.
He is contributing $50 million to establish a new institute that will alter people’s lives.
The contribution will fund the Lurie Autism Institute, a collaboration between Penn Medicine and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
The Lurie family made the greatest single donation to academic medical institutes in the United States dedicated to autism research.
“For 70 years, my family has faced the struggle of autism. “Our brother has been an inspiration and kind soul to all of us,” Lurie said during a press conference on Tuesday.
One in every 31 children has autism spectrum disorder.
This groundbreaking institute will connect scientists, doctors, families, students, and donors to investigate autism from all perspectives.
“I can’t tell when the breakthrough will occur. Kevin Mahoney, CEO of Penn Medicine, stated that it will happen tomorrow, in a week, or 20 years from now.
“Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for these children,” says Madeline Bell, CEO of CHOP.
“Really understanding what are the factors during pregnancy that impact the risk of autism,” says Dr. Dan Rader, Interim Director of the Lurie Autism Institute. “This institute will place a strong emphasis on adults as well. That vast number of individuals, many of whom have autism but have never received a diagnosis.
“Incredible breakthroughs in neuroscience, genetics, artificial intelligence, opened up all sorts of possibilities,” Lurie told reporters.
The objective is to better understand the disorder’s genetics and biology, conduct brain research, investigate speech and language processing, and plan and implement therapeutic trials.
“Try to speed along solutions and, really, an opportunity to move along with progress in autism science,” according to Lurie.
The Lurie family has been benefactors in the sector since 1977, with the Nancy Lurie Marks Family Foundation assisting persons with autism in leading fulfilling lives.
The Eagles Autism Foundation has raised $30 million for families with ASD throughout the course of its existence, including the Autism Challenge and pioneering sensory-friendly spaces in NFL stadiums.
