Honoring the generosity of donors who stepped up for science during COVID-19

Amid our eagerness to return to “normal life” following the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s easy to take for granted how we got here. The pathway out of this global crisis was possible through the work of fiercely dedicated biomedical researchers and health care professionals, along with forward-thinking citizens who champion science.

On Oct. 18, Chancellor Michael F. Collins hosted a dinner to celebrate those champions of science who generously supported UMass Chan Medical School’s pandemic response through gifts to the COVID-19/Pandemic Research Fund and/or the Vaccine Corps—collectively donating nearly $3.44 million.  

“Your dedication to the COVID-19/Pandemic Research Fund and the Vaccine Corps at UMass Chan Medical School has been nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a testament to your belief in the power of science, innovation and the human spirit,” said Chancellor Collins.

Within days of the appearance of COVID-19 infections, UMass Chan faculty in all three graduate schools were immersed in activities to understand it; treat it; prevent its spread; understand its impact; and assess its effects on the community, the commonwealth and the world. A fundraising initiative was soon launched to generate financial support for the Medical School’s response efforts.

Terrence R. Flotte, MD, the Celia and Isaac Haidak Professor, executive deputy chancellor, provost and dean of the T. H. Chan School of Medicine, expressed deep gratitude to donors for their support. “Thanks to pilot grants from the COVID-19 research fund, within months of the pandemic we had a better understanding of how the virus SARS-CoV-2 infects cells, replicates in cells and interacts with the immune system,” said Dean Flotte. 

The COVID-19 pilot projects made possible through the COVID-19/Pandemic Research Fund were highlighted by Katherine Fitzgerald, PhD, the Worcester Foundation for Biomedical Research Chair III, professor of medicine, vice chair of research in the Department of Medicine and director of the Program in Innate Immunity. A total of 13 distinct projects were executed, all designed to swiftly address critical aspects of the pandemic, from the development of rapid diagnostic tests to the study of the virus's transmission dynamics.

Lisa Colombo, DNP, MHA, RN, executive vice chancellor of ForHealth Consulting, formerly Commonwealth Medicine, shined a light on the incredible efforts of the Vaccine Corps. Over the course of 17 weeks, 1,705 volunteers administered 96,500 vaccine doses at 107 clinic sites, including a large-scale vaccination site at Worcester State University that became a symbol of hope and healing amid the chaos and fear of the global crisis.  

A plaque recognizing the donors will be placed in the Medical School Lobby, forever commemorating their generosity during the pandemic.  

“Your support not only made a difference today but laid the foundation for a healthier and more resilient tomorrow,” said Chancellor Collins.  

Donors to UMass Chan’s pandemic response include the following. 

COVID-19/Pandemic Research Fund

• C.F. Adams Charitable Trust
• The George I. Alden Trust
• American College of Medical Toxicology
• American Heart Association
• MaryLynn and Joseph Antonellis P'14 & family
• The Bassick Family Foundation
• Herman F. Becker Family Charitable Foundation
• The Dacier Family in loving memory of Johnnie Ray Cox
• Mary C. DeFeudis
• Greater Worcester Community Foundation
• Harrington Discovery Institute
• The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust
• MFS Investment Management
• Robert and Ardis James Foundation
• Lookout Foundation
• Massachusetts Consortium on Pathogen Readiness
• The G. Harold and Leila Y. Mathers Charitable Foundation
• Remillard Family Foundation 

Vaccine Corps: Immunizing Massachusetts Against COVID-19 

• Cummings Foundation
• Melvin S. Cutler Charitable Foundation
• The DuFour Family
• The Frias Family/S&F Concrete
• The Kraft Group
• The Tsotsis Family
• United Way of Central Massachusetts
• Wagner Automotive Group of Shrewsbury