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Lurie Children’s Launches Genetics and Rare Diseases Division With $11 Million Edwards Gift

Hospital leaders say in-house genetic testing will cut wait times from months to weeks.

Overview

  • The Edwards Family Division will build Illinois’ largest pediatric genetics training program to address a statewide shortage of specialists.
  • Lurie plans to nearly triple gene therapy and clinical research trials within three to five years, targeting about 75 active studies by 2030.
  • Dr. Carlos Prada was named to lead the division, and CEO Tom Shanley described the investment as transformational for diagnosis, treatment and research.
  • Don and Anne Edwards, longtime Lurie supporters with personal ties to genetic disorders, announced the donation at an event attended by Gov. J.B. Pritzker.
  • The hospital did not specify when the new division will open, with operational details still to be finalized.