Houston Methodist Hospital received a $101 million donation from Rusty and Paula Walter — the largest philanthropic gift in the hospital's 98-year history, according to the Houston Chronicle.
The donation, announced Thursday, will advance the hospitals neuroscience research efforts. About a quarter of the donation will go toward hiring nearly 40 additional physician researchers and the remainder of the donation will help translate scientific discoveries into treatments and create an innovation fund to help spur new research ideas.
"I can't tell you how excited I am," Marc Boom, MD, president and CEO of Houston Methodist, told the Houston Chronicle. "This gift will fund some of the world's best physicians and scientists, bringing important cures and treatments to our patients."
Mr. Walter, who owns the Walter Oil & Gas Corp. in Houston, suffered a stroke four years ago and sought treatment to at Houston Methodist Hospital to curb the damage to his brain. With their donation, Mr. Walter and his wife hope to ensure more people have access to the same treatments.