UCLA secures $25 million to establish a center for digestive health

Generous philanthropists Shirley and Walter Wang donate $25 million to UCLA Health, creating a center for integrative digestive health, inspired by their son's personal journey with gastrointestinal issues.

In an era bustling with endless headlines about business and technology, stories that touch upon human well-being through generosity offer a refreshing perspective. One such recent event is the announcement by UCLA Health, which has secured a transformative $25 million donation to create a center specifically designed to address digestive health issues. This significant gift comes from Shirley and Walter Wang, prominent entrepreneurs and philanthropists based in Los Angeles. The couple, who are leaders in the manufacturing sectors with their respective companies, Plastpro and JM Eagle, have long been recognized for their commitment to giving back to communities and institutions that make a real difference in people’s lives.

The motivation behind this remarkable donation is deeply personal for the Wang family. Shirley Wang shared the story of her son, who struggled with serious gastrointestinal issues that nearly prevented him from graduating from college. Witnessing firsthand the impact of high-quality, holistic care at UCLA, the family wanted to ensure that others facing similar challenges could access the best possible treatments. According to Shirley, it was the center’s unique approach—treating patients not just medically, but also considering psychological and dietary factors—that made all the difference for her son. The gift, therefore, is not just about funding a building, but about enabling a philosophy of care that looks at the whole person, not just their symptoms.

The new center, named the Walter and Shirley Wang Center for Integrative Digestive Health, will offer a range of services aimed at providing comprehensive support for individuals with gastrointestinal disorders. This will include medical care, psychological support, and dietary guidance, all under one roof. The vision is to create a healing environment where patients can receive evidence-based treatments, including integrative health practices, that address not only physical symptoms but also related issues such as migraine headaches, chronic pain, insomnia, and mood disorders. The ultimate goal is to improve quality of life for patients by recognizing the vital role the digestive system plays in overall health.

Philanthropy of this scale has a ripple effect that reaches far beyond the walls of the institution. The Wangs’ generosity is a reminder of how private giving can catalyze public benefit, setting an example for others to support causes that truly matter. Their previous contributions to UCLA have already created research chairs in medicinal drug discovery and U.S./China relations, reflecting their broad interest in fostering global and community health. By supporting integrative digestive health, they are helping to address a pressing need, as digestive and liver diseases account for more than $136 billion in annual healthcare expenditures in the United States alone.

In today’s world, where headlines often focus on what divides us, stories like this one remind us of what is possible when individuals choose to give selflessly. The Walter and Shirley Wang Center for Integrative Digestive Health stands as a testament to the power of giving and the positive change that can result from it. For patients in Los Angeles and beyond, this center will open doors to new possibilities for care and healing, providing hope and support where it is needed most. The Wangs’ gift is not only a present to UCLA, but a promise of a healthier future for countless individuals and families who will benefit from the center’s innovative, compassionate approach to digestive health.