The Giorgio Foundation and University of Pittsburgh Establish $2 Million Endowed Chair to Advance NF1 Research
PITTSBURGH, April 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In a groundbreaking initiative, the Giorgio Foundation has partnered with the University of Pittsburgh to establish The Giorgio Foundation Endowed Chair in the School of Medicine's Department of Neurosurgery with an impressive total commitment of $2 million. This generous contribution aims to significantly enhance research related to neurological conditions, with a special emphasis on neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1), a genetic disorder that affects both pediatric and adult patients.
The Giorgio Foundation has pledged $1 million to create an endowed fund at the University of Pittsburgh. The proceeds generated from this fund will be directly allocated to support the pioneering mission of the chair, ensuring that cutting-edge research remains a priority.
Additionally, the School of Medicine is contributing $500,000 to the endowment fund and has made a commitment to raise another $500,000, culminating in a total endowment of $2 million. This robust financial foundation is designed to facilitate groundbreaking advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of NF1.
The chair's primary focus will remain on advancing research and treatment for this condition until we cure neurofibromatosis type 1, stated Anantha Shekhar, the senior vice chancellor for health sciences and the John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the School of Medicine at the University of Pittsburgh. The Giorgio Foundation has long been a champion of this area of medicine. By establishing this chair, the foundation ensures that our institution remains at the forefront of innovation and discovery, propelling us closer to new treatments for patients.
The Giorgio Foundation Endowed Chair will play a crucial role in supporting various initiatives, including:
- Recruitment and salary of a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Neurological Surgery.
- Professional development, research, and scholarly activities related to NF1 and other neurological conditions.
- Critical academic initiatives to promote innovation in neurosurgical treatments and therapies.
The Giorgio Foundation's generosity will create a lasting impact on neurological research, especially for NF1, said Dr. Sameer Agnihotri, director of the Brain Tumor Biology and Therapy Lab. This partnership exemplifies how philanthropy can drive scientific progress and bring us closer to life-changing breakthroughs.
In recognition of this extraordinary contribution, the endowed position will be named The Giorgio Foundation Endowed Chair, a title that honors the foundations commitment to advancing medical research and healthcare.
Since the beginning of this journey, a significant part of our mission has been to create a legacy of groundbreaking NF1 research. We believe that Dr. Sameer Agnihotri and his lab at the University of Pittsburgh are on an incredible path toward that goal, and we are excited to create an endowment that will help continue NF1 research for decades to come, stated Erin Borzellino, Co-Founder of The Giorgio Foundation.
To learn more about The Giorgio Foundation's mission and philanthropic efforts, interested parties can contact Erin Borzellino, co-founder of The Giorgio Foundation.
About The Giorgio Foundation
The Giorgio Foundation is driven by the belief that every child deserves a childhood free from the fear of relentless tumor growth and disfigurement. Through dedicated clinical research, the foundation aims to illuminate the challenges posed by conditions often shrouded in darkness and fear, specifically targeting NF1. For further details, visit Media Contacts: The Giorgio Foundation University of Pittsburgh Source: The Giorgio Foundation
Erin Borzellino
Co-Founder
(917) 267-0755
erin@thegiorgiofoundation.org
Jared Stonesifer
Senior Director, External Communications
(412) 577-9834
