PITTSBURGH - Dec. 23, 2002 -- Pittsburgh Penguins owner and star Mario Lemieux presented Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh with a $1 million gift, on behalf of the Mario Lemieux Foundation, during a morning skating party today for former patients and families.
Lemieux's gift, presented to Children's President and Chief Executive Officer Ronald L. Violi, will benefit cancer research. The donation was made during a skating party at The Rink at PPG Plaza for former Children's patients who have benefited from the hospital's world-class medical care and research.
"We'd like to thank the Lemieux Foundation for their commitment to furthering the excellent cancer research happening at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh," Violi said. "Mario's comeback from cancer and support of research inspire us in the fight against this disease."
The donation will benefit Children's cancer research program. Lemieux was diagnosed in 1993 with a form of cancer known as Hodgkin's disease. Lemieux, who has been free of cancer for more than eight years, established the Mario Lemieux Foundation to support cancer research that may ultimately lead to a cure.
"This gift once again illustrates Mario's continued commitment and dedication to the people of Pittsburgh," said Tom Grealish, Lemieux Foundation President and Executive Director.
The Mario Lemieux Foundation has raised millions of dollars for cancer and other important medical research since it was founded in 1993. The Lemieux Foundation supports organizations such as the Mario Lemieux Centers for Patient Care and Research at UPMC Health System, The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and Lupus Foundation. Additionally, the principle fundraiser for the Foundation is the Mellon Mario Lemieux Celebrity Invitational.
Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of all children through excellence in patient care, teaching and research. As the only hospital in western Pennsylvania devoted solely to the care of infants, children and young adults, the hospital has been named consistently to several elite lists of pediatric health care facilities. This recognition includes being listed as one of the top 10 children's hospitals in the country by U.S. News & World Report and ranking seventh in funding provided by the National Institutes of Health.
PITTSBURGH - Dec. 23, 2002 -- Pittsburgh Penguins owner and star Mario Lemieux presented Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh with a $1 million gift, on behalf of the Mario Lemieux Foundation, during a morning skating party today for former patients and families.