Los Angeles-based Keck School of Medicine of USC announced it has accepted a $20 million gift from the Gehr Foundation in the name of entrepreneur and industrialist Norbert Gehr, who died of leukemia in February.
The donation will be split between two of Mr. Gehr's physicians, internist David Goldstein, MD, and hematologist Casey O'Connell, MD. Dr. Goldstein's research focuses on finding practical methods for team-based, coordinated care to improve healthcare delivery, and Dr. O'Connell is researching blood diseases that can lead to leukemia and acute myeloid leukemia.
"Norbert didn't want any fanfare associated with his gift. What he wanted was to make a difference to other patients and he trusted these two doctors to use the funds for the greatest good," David Lifschitz, CEO of the Gehr Group, said. "That silent generosity characterized his life. He often helped employees and others through personal gifts, such as paying for funerals or unexpected medical expenses, without taking any credit."
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