Philanthropy

Mark Pearson:
The Dedication of Scripps

“Many people fail to realize what a powerful, costly, and deadly disease alcoholism is, and how many lives are affected by it,” said Scripps Research philanthropist Mark Pearson, who lost his parents to alcoholism. “I believe that with increased funding by the government and dedicated individuals, we can make advances similar to those that have been made for cancer, heart disease, and other major medical conditions in the area of alcoholism and addiction research.”

Before making his $3 million gift to Scripps Research, Mark visited several nonprofit research organizations across the United States in hope of finding one institution that stood out. Scripps Research was the only one he found that focused on the neuropharmacology of alcohol addiction coupled with drug development.

“I spent time with Dr. George Koob and Dr. Barbara Mason in their La Jolla labs, and I was impressed with the research they’re conducting,” said Mark. “Dr. Koob’s dedication to understanding neurochemistry and neurobiology, and work linking addiction to stress made a lot of sense to me.”

Mark’s gift established the Pearson Center for Alcoholism and Addiction Research at Scripps Research. The center combines the latest biomedical research with innovative clinical treatment to fight alcohol and drug addiction.

“I’m pleased with my decision to give to The Scripps Research Institute,” he said, “and I plan to make additional financial commitments in this area of research in both the private and institutional sectors in the years to come.”

E-mail this page to a friend