Ohio State’s new hospital receives a $10 million donation from Stan and Jodi Ross.
In 2015, Stan and Jodi Ross made a transformative $10 million donation to The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, establishing the Stanley D. and Joan H. Ross Center for Brain Health and Performance. This gift was a significant milestone in their decades-long commitment to advancing medical research and patient care, particularly in the field of neurology.(Wexner Medical Center)
Stan Ross’s philanthropic journey with Ohio State began in 1969 with a modest $10 contribution. Over the years, he and his wife, Jodi, became steadfast supporters of the university, contributing to various causes and achieving President’s Club status. Their early philanthropic efforts primarily focused on the arts, notably through their involvement with Opera Columbus, where Jodi, a trained opera singer, was actively engaged. However, their focus shifted dramatically in 199nter, Wexner Medical Center)
In 1993, Malco3 following a life-altering event involving their son, Malcolm.(Wexner Medical Center, Wexner Medical Celm Ross, then a teenager, suffered a severe spinal cord injury during a racing accident at Indianapolis Raceway Park. The severity of his condition was dire; he had broken his neck and vertebrae, and doctors were uncertain about his survival and potential for recovery. After initial treatment in Indianapolis, Malcolm was transferred to Ohio State’s Dodd Hall Rehabilitation Hospital, where a dedicated team of neurologists, physical therapists, and medical professionals worked tirelessly to aid his recovery. The care Malcolm received at Dodd Hall not only saved his life but also inspired his parents to deepen their involvement with the university.(Wexner Medical Center, Wexner Medical Center)
Motivated by their son’s recovery and a desire to contribute to the future of neuroscience, the Rosses pledged $10 million to establish the Stanley D. and Joan H. Ross Center for Brain Health and Performance. This center aims to advance research across the entire spectrum of brain health at Ohio State’s Neurological Institute. The gift provides sustaining support for the leadership of the center, life-changing research, education about brain health and performance, start-up support for the delivery of clinical services, and dedicated space for the center. Dr. Sheldon Retchin, executive vice president of Ohio State’s health sciences and CEO of the Wexner Medical Center, emphasized that the Rosses’ generosity would support rapid advances in diagnostics and therapies for neurological disorders. (Wexner Medical Center, news.osu.edu, Wexner Medical Center)
The Ross Center for Brain Health and Performance is designed to leverage Ohio State’s resources to become a leading authority on building and preserving brain health and performance. Dr. Ali Rezai, who holds the Stanley D. and Joan H. Ross Chair in Neuromodulation, spearheaded the concept of a center dedicated to population brain health at Ohio State. He envisions the center as a hub for optimizing brain health and function throughout life, from youth to advanced age, using research and neuroscience to regain, retain, and optimize brain health and performance for people of all ages. (news.osu.edu, Wexner Medical Center)
The Rosses’ gift complements the new Brain and Spine Hospital, which opened in 2016 to meet the growing need for services for patients with neurological disorders, including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and stroke. Located in the former James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, the Brain and Spine Hospital provides advanced clinical services and innovative research to improve the diagnosis, treatment, and cure of neurological diseases. With more than 50 million people in the United States and over a billion worldwide affected by disorders of the brain, spine, and nervous system, the Rosses hope their gift will help Ohio State become a significant world leader in brain health and performance. (news.osu.edu, Wexner Medical Center, Wexner Medical Center)
Stan Ross, a retired attorney, expressed his belief in the potential of neuroscience, stating, “The brain is the last frontier in medicine, and we’re just at the beginning of discovering what can be done to optimize the brain, and help millions of people who are affected by a whole panoply of neurological disorders and brain injuries.” He views the $10 million gift as an opportunity to help a lot of people for many generations to come. (Wexner Medical Center, Wexner Medical Center)
In recognition of their longstanding support and transformative contributions, Stan and Jodi Ross have been honored with Ohio State’s highest awards for philanthropy and volunteerism. Their commitment to advancing medical research and patient care, particularly in the field of neurology, has left an indelible mark on the university and the broader medical community. (news.osu.edu)
The $10 million donation by Stan and Jodi Ross to establish the Stanley D. and Joan H. Ross Center for Brain Health and Performance at Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center stands as a testament to their enduring commitment to medical research and patient care. Inspired by their son’s recovery and a shared vision for the future of neuroscience, their philanthropic efforts continue to impact countless lives, advancing the understanding and treatment of neurological disorders for generations to come.(news.osu.edu)
