The AbbVie Foundation has announced a significant $75 million donation to the University of Chicago. This contribution will aid in the construction of UChicago Medicine's new cancer pavilion, which is set to be the first standalone facility in Illinois focused on transforming cancer care.
The pavilion, to be named the AbbVie Foundation Cancer Pavilion upon its completion in 2027, aims to advance health equity and improve access to quality care. The funding contributes to the $815 million required for this 575,000-square-foot project. The facility will become UChicago Medicine’s main center for advancing cancer research, clinical treatments, and personalized patient care.
Paul Alivisatos, President of UChicago, expressed gratitude for the donation: “We are deeply honored by this generous donation, as it strengthens our commitment to advancing the health and vitality of the community — a core priority of our South Side-based institution.”
The AbbVie Foundation focuses on promoting health equity globally. It has previously collaborated with UChicago Medicine through initiatives like the Liaisons in Care (LinC) program. Claudia Carravetta from AbbVie emphasized their shared mission: “The AbbVie Foundation is honored to deepen our longstanding partnership with UChicago Medicine... We are proud to contribute to this state-of-the-art facility."
UChicago Medicine holds a prestigious designation as a Comprehensive Cancer Center by the National Cancer Institute and has been recognized among top hospitals for cancer care in the United States. Mark Anderson from UChicago highlighted that "this facility is not just about advancing scientific discovery... It’s about transforming how we deliver care."
Kunle Odunsi noted that unifying over 200 cancer experts within this pavilion would enhance collaboration: “Our teams will seek to revolutionize cancer care by asking and studying more complex scientific questions..."
Candace Henley underscored its importance for Chicago's South Side: “This facility is right where we need it... where health disparities have been great.”
Thomas Jackiewicz added that "the gift will reinforce our efforts" toward enhancing local healthcare networks and supporting community initiatives.