Research at Duke Children’s

A CENTURY OF DISCOVERIES, A FUTURE OF POSSIBILITIES

While most children only experience routine childhood illnesses, one in five children will need advanced health care. The origins of these diseases often begin in prenatal and early postnatal life and can have a lifelong impact. Early exposure to adverse influences—social, economic, health, or environmental—can create health deficits that last a lifetime.

At Duke Children’s, our challenge is to improve the lives of children and their families so that all children achieve their fullest potential and to advance research and discoveries that enable us to diagnose and treat diseases before they start.

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Make your gift to support research at Duke Children's   

Duke’s Department of Pediatrics has a rich history of pioneering research that has significantly impacted children’s healthcare, from developing the child-proof safety cap in 1950 to the world’s first partial heart transplant in 2022. Breakthroughs like these do not happen overnight. They are achieved through years of dedicated research and innovation.

In pursuit of this ambitious goal, research is a top priority for Duke’s Department of Pediatrics and Duke Children’s. Philanthropic support is critical to accelerating innovative research that progresses medical discoveries, and we hope you will join us in this vital endeavor.

To learn more, contact Culver Scales, Executive Director of Development for Duke Children's, at culver.scales@duke.edu. 

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1 in 5 children will need advanced health care

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3% of babies are born with a congenital or inherited disorder

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15,000 children per year are affected by childhood cancer

WE ARE AT A PIVOTAL MOMENT IN THE FUTURE OF PEDIATRIC MEDICINE. 

Pediatric research is facing a significant challenge, particularly in early-stage and innovative pediatric research. Gaps in funding hinder the progress of work that could lead to significant advancements in pediatric care. If we do not invest in pediatric research now, the future of pediatric medicine—and the health of children and the adults they will become—will be impacted for decades to come.   

A philanthropic investment in innovative research today can help Duke Children’s pioneer revolutionary new treatments, therapies, and modifications that will improve the lives of children locally and across the globe.  

By supporting research at Duke Children’s, you can help to: 

  • Foster Innovative Research: Empower researchers to pursue groundbreaking projects that may not be eligible for traditional sources of funding.
  • Ignite New Discoveries: Provide seed funding to collect essential data needed to successfully apply for large institutional grants.
  • Ensure Funding Continuity and Flexibility: Guarantee that critical research continues without interruption.
  • Accelerate Medical Breakthroughs: Supplement institutional grants to expedite progress and advancements.

 

Sustaining the future of pediatric research

Research isn't just science; it's about people -- your family, friends, and community. 

Learn how Duke research saves lives  

Explainer: Facilities and Administrative Costs  

 

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YOUR GIFT TODAY PROVIDES THE FOUNDATION FOR TOMORROW'S BREAKTHROUGHS

We appreciate gifts of any size, making sure that your generosity is used to advance medical care and provide a better tomorrow for our children. You can choose a dollar amount to give now, or continue exploring more ways that you can support Duke Children’s.