Penn Medicine’s most prolific benefactors have given a further $25.5 million toward basic science and translational research in the Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute. Madlyn Abramson Ed’57 GEd’60 and her husband, Leonard Abramson, announced the gift in May.
The Abramson family established the eponymous institute 12 years ago with a $100 million gift that enabled Penn to recruit some 20 top scientists, who have pursued a research portfolio ranging from vaccines and cell-based immunotherapy to genomic studies and the development of new blood and imaging tests. The Abramson Cancer Center is another testament to the breadth of their philanthropic vision. Including their latest gift, the Abramsons have supported Penn Medicine to the tune of more than $140 million.
“The advances in cancer research developed at Penn’s Abramson Cancer Center have led to new prevention, diagnosis, and treatment programs that are awe-inspiring,” said Arthur H. Rubenstein, dean of the Medical School and executive vice president of the University Health System. “By fostering the spirit of scientific inquiry, the Abramsons have enabled the most talented minds in the country to engage in the most advanced basic and translational research right here in Philadelphia.”
