Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) announced that it has received a $13 million gift from the estate of philanthropists George and Helene Ettelson to support cancer and dermatology faculty and innovation. The gift comes after the death of Mr. Ettelson from acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in 2007 and Ms. Ettelson in 2022. Mr. and Ms. Ettelson first donated to OHSU in 1959, establishing the Dr. Jesse Ettelson Fund for the Advancement of Dermatology Research in honor of Mr. Ettelson’s father. The couple continued to support the university’s research initiatives throughout their lives, including establishing the George Ettelson Endowment for AML Research at OHSU’s Knight Cancer Institute in 2012. Their most recent gift will allow the university to fund research projects aimed at better understanding and developing novel therapeutics for dermatologic diseases and cancer, as well as endow a professorship for AML research. “My mom would be so gratified to know that more [patients] were able to be seen, treated, and healed … and thrilled to know new discoveries were being made. If her gift makes any of that possible, it will have a lasting effect on the institution and community for generations to come,” concluded Mr. and Ms. Ettelson’s daughter Diane Lowenstein.
December 27, 2023