Meet Our Donors
Richard and Ann Frankel
Supporting Tomorrow's Cures
"Right here, in our community, we have a stellar, state-of-the-art medical center that excels in research and patient-focused care," says Ann Frankel. "Richard and I want to ensure that Lankenau's tradition of medical excellence continues for others."
The Frankels have long been regular contributors to Lankenau Medical Center. In 2021, though, they were ready to leave a meaningful legacy. Through conversations with leadership, Richard and Ann chose to establish an Innovative Research Fund at the Lankenau Institute for Medical Research (LIMR). The fund helps bridge financial gaps for researchers in the early stages of exploring novel, exciting ideas.
As Ann remarks, "we want to help support pioneering investigators. We never know who will be the next genius on the brink of discovering a brilliant, breakthrough idea. They might just need a little nurturing to help them get to the next stage."
This interest was further spurred by Main Line Health's extraordinary response to the COVID-19 crisis. Richard explains: "I appreciate the responsible and reassuring way that Main Line Health handled the COVID-19 outbreak and was especially impressed with how LIMR scientists quickly pivoted to battle the new disease." Richard was intrigued by this nimble medical research center and its work toward remedies in many key areas including cardiology, cancer, regenerative medicine, and autoimmune disease.
The Frankels' gift is the culmination of many years of experience as research enthusiasts, patients, and philanthropists. Ann grew up immersed in the world of medical research. Her father was a biochemist and VP at Glaxo SmithKline in Research & Development; her mother worked as an assistant to Dr. Sidney Weinhouse at Temple University's School of Medicine, where he continued his illustrious career after launching his groundbreaking cancer research at Lankenau.
The relationship between the Frankels and Lankenau began when Richard served on the committee that helped initiate the Heart Center, which eventually became Lankenau Heart Institute. This relationship deepened over the years through Ann's experience as a Crohn's disease patient and the care their parents received at Lankenau as they aged. Ann notes: "I felt like I wasn't just a file number but was really cared for in a personal way, from the volunteers who greeted me at the front desk to the friendly employees providing directions in the hallways." Ann benefited personally from private philanthropy for experimental surgeries, and she loves the idea of paying it forward and making a similar positive impact on others.
As donors, the Frankels have supported key initiatives including the Birnhak Transitional Care Center (TCC)—in fact, Richard was key in bringing together Abramson Senior Care and Lankenau to establish the TCC. The Frankels also funded an endowment named for Ann's father to support critical thinking awards for medical residents.
To create their legacy, the Frankels blended a current gift with a generous provision in their will to establish the Richard and Ann Frankel Endowed Fund for Innovative Research at LIMR. They love this creative way of giving because they're excited to see work supported by the fund begin immediately, while knowing that an eventual gift from their estate will extend their impact to future generations of scientists and patients.