$125 million new gift to children’s hospital from Aileen and Brian Roberts and family
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) has received the largest single donation in its 170-year history—a transformative $125 million gift from Comcast Corporation CEO Brian Roberts, his wife Aileen, and their family.
This unprecedented donation will help fund the construction of CHOP’s new $2 billion inpatient care tower and support the modernization of its existing pediatric medical center. In recognition of this historic gift, the new tower will be named Roberts Children’s Health. Rising over 20 stories at 3501 Civic Center Boulevard, the state-of-the-art facility is set to open in 2028.
CHOP’s ambitious goal for the new facility is to integrate cutting-edge research, innovative treatment, and a family-centered approach to healing.
“We wanted to create a space that could accommodate the needs of children now and for years to come,” said CHOP CEO Madeline Bell. “Roberts Children’s Health will greatly enhance the hospital experience for our patients and their families, equip our staff with the latest innovations, and revolutionize how we provide care.”
Spanning over 3 million square feet, the Roberts Children’s Health complex will significantly expand CHOP’s capacity and capabilities.
Some of its key features include:
More than 700 fully private patient rooms designed for comfort and healing, with integrated technology for seamless care.
Over 30 specialized procedure and imaging rooms for cardiology, neurology, and other advanced medical specialties.
Automated medication delivery and other smart hospital systems to allow doctors and nurses to focus more on patient care.
Family-focused amenities, including a dedicated fitness, meditation, and entertainment suite, family lounges on every floor, pantries, and quiet rooms for remote work.
Next-generation technology, linking each patient’s electronic medical records to bedside devices for instant communication with their care team and real-time access to test results.
The facility is designed to provide a reimagined, personalized patient experience while streamlining medical procedures, from routine visits to complex treatments.
The Roberts family has been deeply involved with CHOP for decades, with their philanthropy leaving a lasting impact on pediatric medicine and research.
In 2017, Brian and Aileen Roberts donated $25 million to establish the Roberts Center for Pediatric Research, a pioneering facility dedicated to advancing medical breakthroughs in genetics and individualized medicine.
The family’s continued generosity has helped CHOP become a leader in pediatric genetics research, translating discoveries into life-saving treatments.
Their connection to CHOP dates back generations, beginning with Brian Roberts’ parents—Ralph Roberts, founder of Comcast, and Suzanne Roberts, a renowned Philadelphia philanthropist.
“Our lives have been touched by Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia in countless ways, and with this gift, we hope to deliver on Madeline’s vision for the future of pediatrics and inspire others to support this life-changing work happening right here in our backyard,” said Aileen and Brian Roberts.
The Roberts family’s dedication to advancing medical care extends beyond CHOP.
In February 2024, Brian Roberts’ sister Catherine Clifton and her husband made their own landmark donation—$120 million to Penn Medicine.
This gift led to the renaming of Penn’s $1.6 billion patient tower in University City as the Clifton Center for Medical Breakthroughs.
Through their philanthropy, the Roberts family continues to shape the future of healthcare, ensuring that world-class medical advancements remain accessible to families in Philadelphia and beyond.
Some of their other notable donations include:
- $15 million to establish the Roberts Proton Therapy Center at Penn Medicine.
- $25 million to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia for genetics research.
- $5 million for Chromebooks for Philadelphia students during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Multiple grants through The Aileen K. and Brian L. Roberts Foundation, totaling over $7.4 million in 2022 alone.
The Roberts family’s giving spans medical, educational, and cultural initiatives, with substantial support for institutions like the University of Pennsylvania and the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.