The gift of time

Celebrating the world-changing power of science

Dr. Michael S. Avidan, former chair of the Department of Anesthesiology and a member of the executive faculty at WashU Medicine, was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer in 2022 and given six months to live. The exceptional care he received from WashU Medicine physicians at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Siteman Cancer Center has extended his life, giving him more time with family. He shares his gratitude and his firm belief in the value of medical research in the personal video message below.

A message about science, gratitude, and hope

Dr. Avidan shares the story of his personal journey with cancer to inspire passion and support for lifesaving scientific research.

What research makes possible

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“I see more clearly than ever how much beauty and wonder there is in this world. I am grateful to have seen it. I hope you will too.”

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To the scientists and clinicians whose expertise, dedication, and kindness have extended my life, you have my heartfelt gratitude. Let us all invest in knowledge, live in the moment, and recognize that we are fortunate humans, alive in a time of wonder. What we choose to prioritize now will shape the world our children inherit.

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The power of philanthropy

Your support gives researchers the freedom to pursue bold ideas, accelerating discovery and bolstering exceptional care for patients and families facing cancer and other devastating diseases. With you, we can improve quantity and quality of life for others, answering Dr. Avidan’s call to action as both a patient and physician.

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Fueling the work behind every breakthrough

Learn how generous philanthropy advances each aspect of WashU Medicine’s mission.

Research

Private investment makes possible innovative and high-risk, high-reward research, which paves the way for major federal grants from organizations like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a top university for NIH funding, WashU leads groundbreaking clinical trials and offers the most cutting-edge treatments to patients from around the world.

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Education

Generous philanthropy helps recruit and train the most talented and promising physicians of tomorrow based solely on merit, fueling scholarships and a field-leading curriculum.

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Patient care

From facilities to faculty, every gift to WashU Medicine ultimately enhances care for patients — prolonging lives, protecting health, and extending time with loved ones.

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With you, we will forge a future of hope and healing.

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