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Innovators: The Next Generation of Chicago Philanthropists
Lurie Children’s is a national leader in pediatric care and research, relentless in our drive to transform futures against often daunting odds. But progress doesn’t happen on its own. If you believe every child deserves a healthier future, join us and become an Innovator.
As an Innovator, you'll network with other outstanding philanthropists, get a behind-the-scenes view of our life changing research and programs and leave a lasting impact on our patients and families. The Innovators program offers the opportunity to have unparalleled access to medical center leaders and learn about programs in need of key philanthropic support. Members commit to the program with an annual investment that is collectively pooled to fund a project chosen by the group. At the end of the year, the group gathers to hear proposal pitches from physicians and researchers and then votes on one of three projects to fund.
This unique program designed to bridge the gap between emerging leaders and philanthropy is unmatched by anything in Chicago. The Innovators program has identified the next generation of Chicago's emerging leaders.
Commit to Progress
- Commit a minimum $5,000 investment that will be pooled with other Innovators for a collaborative impact.
- Learn about the high priority needs at Lurie Children’s as you meet leading-edge clinicians and researchers who are shaping a healthier future for every child.
- Help us choose: Innovators convene to collectively select a project to fund.
Convene with Purpose
Three times a year, Innovators gather to be informed and empowered through conversations with caregivers, patients, physician-scientists and fellow philanthropists. Opportunities may include:
- Behind-the-scenes tours of Lurie Children's state-of-the-art facility.
- Ability to brainstorm with medical leaders on solutions to important issues.
- Connections to other thought-leaders and philanthropists through networking and engagement opportunities.
See Our Impact
Since its inception in 2018, Innovators has raised more than $1 million for dynamic and important research projects across divisions. This exciting milestone and the impact the program has had is celebrated here.
Funding History
2018: Dr. Xiao Nan-Li presented his research in Precision Medicine Oncology to become the first recipient of Innovators funding.
2019: Dr. Amir Alhajjat was awarded with Innovators funding to support his research at The Chicago Institute for Fetal Health. His work centered on Leveraging the Power of Cellular Therapies: In Utero Stem Cell Transplants.
2020: The Innovators investment supported winner, Dr. Mary Clyde Pierce. Her work investigated the epigenetics related to head injuries and fractures in children who have survived abuse. She monitored children for three years to track their development and has worked with Lurie Children's Division of Neurosurgery to establish a follow up clinic for children with head injury in the study.
2021: Innovators focused on Neurosurgery and specifically funded Dr. Michael DeCuypere initiative to bring novel clinical trials for pediatric brain tumor patients to Lurie Children's.
2022: Dr. Tracy Gertler was celebrated as her pitch in Genetic Medicine was chosen to be funded. Her research focused on developing a Pediatric Variant Interrogation Program: Genetics Analysis Lab (Peds VIP-PAL). This would dedicate a lab space to validate genetic variants of uncertain significance and advance care for patients.
2023: Innovators focused on The Pritzker Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health. They selected Dr. Tali Raviv’s research on Stress & Coping: Improving Teens' Mental Health in School.
2024: The Innovators class has chosen to fund Dr. Larry Gray’s H.O.P.E. Autism project. The initiative trains primary-care providers to identify autism early by embedding specialized DBP providers in clinics, helping pediatricians co-manage complex cases and connect families with timely, evidence-based interventions.
Join Now
Are you interested in becoming a Lurie Children's Innovator?
Corporate Sponsorships
Set the standard for corporate philanthropy and unlock your employee’s potential with Lurie Children’s Innovators.
A full membership listing is available upon request.
To learn how your company can sponsor an Innovator or the Innovators program, reach out to innovators@luriechildrens.org.
2018 - Dr. Xiao Nan-Li presents his research in Precision Medicine Oncology to become the first recipient of Innovators funding.
2019 - Dr. Aimen Shaaban poses with the feature patient family at a 101 event as Innovators learned about the Chicago Institute for Fetal Health.
2020 - Voting in action! An Innovator votes for the area they want to fund at the 2020 Launch Party.
2021 - Dr. Michael DeCuypere shows brain surgery equipment at a behind-the-scenes look on neurosurgery at Brainlab.
2022 - Dr. Tracy Gertler is congratulated for her winning research pitch in Genetic Medicine during the Selection Dinner.
2023 - The class of 2023 Innovators.
2024 - Innovators explore the Headstrong Learning Lounge and dive deeper into pediatric brain health.
Contact Us
Email us at
innovators@luriechildrens.org
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