Doubling Down on a Sure Investment

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Children's View

This past spring, Irma and Norman Braman committed their second $5 million investment in Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). This gift expands the Suzi and Scott Lustgarten Center for GI Motility, the unique center they established and named for their daughter and her husband in 2011 with their first $5 million gift. Since then, world-class clinicians and researchers at CHOP have helped unravel the biology of complex gastrointestinal motility disorders through advancing research and improved diagnostics.

Thanks to the Bramans, the center will significantly grow its staff over the next few years. Plus, it will pioneer a new program to better assist young adults as they move from pediatric to adult care.

photo of sarah lustgarten The Bramans’ generosity is inspired by their granddaughter, Sarah Lustgarten. Now a college student, Sarah continues to be treated at CHOP for a severe gastrointestinal motility condition that affects the movement of stomach muscles and restricts her ability to digest food. Despite the daily challenges of her condition, Sarah remains upbeat. “My grandfather told me to always stay positive and never stop fighting,” she says.

The consistent and abundant generosity of the Braman family stands out in CHOP’s history — but their leadership can teach everyone about the power of philanthropy. “We know, from family experience and common knowledge, that CHOP is truly at the top of the game when it comes to pediatric medicine,” explain Irma and Norman. “We could not be more pleased to be able to play a role in helping to advance the cutting edge of research and clinical care in this important field affecting so many.”

A strong catalyst

This $5 million landmark gift helps launch the public phase of the campaign For Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs.

“The Bramans helped lay the foundation for this historic campaign,” says Monica Taylor Lotty, Executive Vice President and Chief Development Officer. “Their commitment to follow their revolutionary clinical and research center by funding its growing needs is the momentum we need right now.”

All donors to the campaign For Tomorrow’s Breakthroughs, whether giving $5 million or $5, will help change the landscape of pediatric medicine.