Dr. Denis Hadjiliadis has been a pioneer in this field. Along with Dr. Jason Christie, he created the Chronic Lung Infections Program (CLIP) to focus on diseases like Bronchiectasis, which are under-studied and whose research is underfunded. Despite the increasing population affected by this condition, Bronchiectasis remains an "orphan disease," as the relative number of sufferers is fewer than those of other diseases. This has resulted in a paucity of financial grants and a lack of established research. Although the number of patients is relatively smaller, this number is growing, and the need to learn more about the condition is imperative. Philanthropic gifts to research programs give doctors the support they need to pursue novel ideas that could make a difference in the lives of patients with Bronchiectasis for generations to come.

Stephen and Janis Goodman, both loyal alumni of Penn, have stepped forward. As Stephen was personally affected by Bronchiectasis, they have committed to help bridge the gap in funding for CLIP, which will allow the Penn faculty to move forward with their research in Bronchiestasis. The creation of the Goodman Bronchiectasis Research Fund, provides seed support for Dr. Hadjiliadis's work, and also helps Penn leverage its reach for grant funding. Resources for this important cause will help Penn's team create a Bronchiectasis-focused cohort and collect clinical, genetic and molecular data from patients. This will allow faculty to study targets and pathways that can help lead to treatments for these undeserved patients. Please consider joining the Goodman family to raise much-needed funds for this mission.