Support Lifesaving Research

Cancer. Heart Disease. Asthma. Crohn’s Disease. Multiple Sclerosis. Juvenile Diabetes. All of these diseases and more share a common scientific link, that can all be related to a defective immune response. Cancer and heart disease may result from an ineffective immune response, either to tumor cells or to infection within the blood vessels. Asthma and Crohn’s disease are linked to an overzealous immune response to innocuous particles in the air or normally beneficial bacteria in the intestine. Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis and juvenile diabetes result from an immune system that turns on itself to destroy normal, healthy tissue.

At the University of Virginia, investigators in the Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research (CIC) seek a fundamental understanding of how the immune system works. If they can determine how the immune system distinguishes between healthy and harmful cells on the most basic level, this could lead to revolutionary new treatments and cures based on controlling the immune response.

Support for the CIC will allow investigators to continue their lifesaving research and help us attract the next generation of outstanding researchers. Every dollar you invest in immunology research at UVA allows us to better leverage and utilize the more specific and restricted federal funding that we receive.

Your gift helps:

  • Put more scientists to work on finding better treatments for cancer
  • Quickly move discoveries out of the laboratory and into the clinic
  • Increase opportunities for patients to enroll in clinical trials

If you are interested in providing a donation online to support the important work of the CIC, then please click the Give Now button below, which will take you to the CIC’s Support page.

Give Now

If you would prefer to make your gift in person or discuss other giving opportunities, please contact Paul Orange at 434-243-9442 or via email at orange@virginia.edu.

All gifts are tax deductible. Our Tax ID is 23-7173411.

Other Areas of Support

Dr. Thomas J. Braciale was a globally recognized authority in the field of immunology, holding a professorship at the University of Virginia (UVA) for over three decades, and serving as the founding director of the Beirne B. Carter Center for Immunology Research (CIC). His work in the areas of T cells, dendritic cells, and respiratory immunity established him as an impactful leader in immunological research. Throughout his career, he remained committed to education, imparting knowledge to undergraduate, graduate, post-doctoral fellows and medical students.

Not only was Dr. Braciale an extraordinary researcher, but he was also an inspiring mentor, guiding numerous students and fellows to become accomplished researchers in diverse immunology fields. As a leader within the UVA Immunology community, he cultivated a collaborative and groundbreaking atmosphere that has continuously driven the progress of immunology research at UVA.

In honor of Dr. Braciale’s legacy, we aim to establish the Thomas J. Braciale Scholarship Fund for undergraduate students in the College of Arts & Sciences. This fund will provide support for aspiring students pursuing careers in the biological sciences who, like Tom, were the first in their families to attend college. This scholarship will be a testament to Tom’s passion for education and research. The funds raised will be exclusively utilized to continue nurturing the scholarly pursuit and research passion that Dr. Braciale so highly valued.

To designate your generous contribution to support the scholarship; click the ‘Give Now’ button to make a credit card gift online, or make checks payable to Braciale Scholarship.

Give Now

Checks can be mailed to:
Braciale Scholarship
PO Box 37963
Boone, IA  50037

We thank you for your generous support!

If you would prefer to make your gift in person or discuss other giving opportunities, please contact Adam Fentress at af7cr@virginia.edu who can help facilitate your gift to the Braciale Scholarship.

All gifts are tax deductible. The University of Virginia tax ID is: 54-6001796.