A gift from the heart

Ann Fleming and Lynn Graham are no strangers to philanthropy. The daughters of former Western Chancellor, the late J. Allyn Taylor and his wife Betty, grew up in a family that placed a high importance on giving back to the community through voluntarism and financial support. Their parents' values influenced all aspects of their lives. And recently they extended their spirit of generosity to Robarts Research Institute - an organization that held a very special place in their father's heart.

They recently made a donation $250,000 which will be directed to the endowment established by the Stiller Foundation supporting the J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine. Their gift will significantly increase the value of the Prize over the next two years and in perpetuity. It will bring well deserved international recognition to the work undertaken at Robarts.

"We are so grateful to Ann and Lynn for this donation," says Dr. Strong. "Their gift builds on the tremendous legacy of commitment of J. Allyn Taylor to Robarts, and will ensure the Taylor Prize will not only remain an important international award, but become one of Canada's pre-eminent awards recognizing expertise in areas of research that are of importance to the Institute and our researchers."

Now in its 28th year, the J. Allyn Taylor International Prize in Medicine for 2012 was awarded to Dr. Reggie Edgerton, PhD, for his outstanding contributions to spinal cord injury research. He will receive the award at the Leaders in Innovation Dinner on November 19, following his presentation at the Taylor Symposium held earlier that day.

Both Fleming and Graham will attend the Leaders in Innovation Dinner this year, and will be accompanied by Graham's son and Taylor's eldest grandchild, Andrew. It's an event both Fleming and Graham are looking forward to as it brings such distinction to their father.

Affectionately known as Mr. London, Taylor contributed immensely to the community and was integral to the establishment of many organizations including, the London Community Foundation, and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. Playing a role in the establishment of the Robarts Research Institute was a project of great importance to him and was motivated by the memory and love of his father, who died from a heart attack, when Taylor was only 12 years old. It was during his retirement years, that Taylor became involved with Robarts and ultimately he served as its first Board Chair.

Before making their recent donation, Fleming and Graham met with Dr. Strong, and had a chance to discuss the valuable research underway at Robarts. They were most intrigued by the work in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. "We watched our mother decline during a 13 year period with Azlehimer's and during that period we watched our father cope as her caregiver until his own health was put at risk. We can't think of a better tribute to our parents than having our donation support Robarts."

For more information on the Taylor Symposium, visit here

You still have time to purchase your tickets to the Leaders in Innovation Dinner