Hillandale Farms founder Orland Bethel’s foundation has committed US$18.5 million to enhance and further a University of Pittsburgh (Pitt) research project that will help develop treatments for arthritis and other painful conditions.
The money will help researchers create a biological specimen repository within the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center (BMRC) that will shed light on disorders such as arthritis, osteoporosis and other spinal conditions and orthopedic joint issues.
Including this donation, the Orland Bethel Family Foundation has committed over US$45 million in total to the university, which includes US$25 million gifted in 2023 to create the BMRC and US$2 million to create the Orland Bethel Professorship in Spine Surgery, which supports the chosen faculty member’s spine research and other academic initiatives.
Pitt John and Gertrude Petersen Dean of the School of Medicine and Senior Vice Chancellor Anantha Shekhar stated, “The biobank will give researchers in the BMRC—and across the globe—access to important materials to accelerate discovery of biomarkers and therapeutic targets, enhancing our understanding of musculoskeletal disease and improving patient outcomes through personalized medicine.”
Shekhar continued, “Once the Biobank database is established, we can explore the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning data analysis for more accurate treatment of musculoskeletal diseases.”
After suffering from spinal pain for several years, Bethel received relief and restored function following a surgery performed by Dr. Joon Y. Lee, Pitt Department of Orthopaedic Surgery.
“When Dr. Lee and the other surgeons, physicians, and researchers took over my care nearly a decade ago, it transformed my life and gave me new hope. I see they are doing the same thing for others with support from my family’s foundation,” Bethel stated. “I know this newest gift will enhance the work of the Orland Bethel Family Musculoskeletal Research Center and will have an impact on the entire field of orthopedics.”
