UCLA receives $25 million for digestive health center

$25 million from Shirley and Walter Wang propels UCLA's innovative digestive health center, fostering holistic care and transforming lives through a comprehensive, compassionate approach.

UCLA has recently received a remarkable $25 million gift from Shirley and Walter Wang, a generous act that underscores the power of giving to transform lives and advance medical care. This extraordinary donation will establish the UCLA Walter and Shirley Wang Center for Integrative Digestive Health, a pioneering facility dedicated to treating gastrointestinal disorders with a holistic, whole-person approach. The Wangs, deeply inspired by their personal journey with their son’s stomach issues, chose to give back to UCLA to help others facing similar challenges.

The Wangs’ gift is more than just a financial contribution; it is a heartfelt expression of hope and care that emphasizes the importance of comprehensive support for patients. Their son’s struggle with digestive health and the positive impact of UCLA’s integrative treatment inspired the couple to ensure that more people could access the care they need without long waiting times. Shirley Wang shared that the center’s holistic approach, which considers not just symptoms but the overall well-being of the patient, played a crucial role in her son's recovery. Motivated by this transformative experience, their gift aims to expand this compassionate model of care to countless others.

The center itself promises to revolutionize how gastrointestinal diseases are treated by integrating conventional gastroenterology with complementary practices like nutrition, psychology, mindfulness, and breathing techniques. This multidisciplinary approach recognizes that digestive health affects many aspects of a person’s life, including mood, sleep, and chronic pain. By addressing these interconnected factors, the center will help patients achieve better outcomes and improved quality of life. UCLA Health’s leadership has expressed profound gratitude for the Wangs’ generosity, highlighting how this gift will impact generations of patients and advance the field of integrative digestive medicine.

Philanthropy in healthcare, as beautifully demonstrated by the Wangs’ donation, is about more than funding new facilities—it is about gifting hope, expanding access, and fostering innovation that improves human lives. Their act of giving highlights how personal experiences can inspire meaningful contributions that benefit entire communities. The center will provide comprehensive care and support tailored to each patient’s needs, doubling as a beacon for integrative health that combines science with empathy and wellness.

As this gift ushers in a new era for digestive health care at UCLA, it serves as a compelling example of the profound impact that thoughtful giving can have. By transforming a personal challenge into a collective opportunity, Shirley and Walter Wang’s generosity embodies the spirit of gifting as a form of healing and empowerment. Their commitment is a reminder that behind every donation there is a story of care and a vision for a healthier future for all. This gift is a powerful present not only for UCLA but also for the countless individuals and families who will benefit from this holistic, patient-centered care for years to come.