$25 million gift from Michael R. Armellino establishes a center of excellence for Williams Syndrome

Michael R. Armellino, a University of Pennsylvania alumnus and retired Goldman Sachs executive, has made a transformative $25 million gift establishing the Armellino Center of Excellence for Williams Syndrome at Penn Medicine in partnership with the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).

This generous donation reflects Armellino’s deep personal commitment to advancing care and research for Williams syndrome, a rare genetic disorder affecting about 1 in 7,500 people.

Armellino’s motivation for this landmark gift comes from his close connection to the Williams syndrome community through his partner’s granddaughter, Maelyn, who lives with the condition.

Witnessing the challenges faced by Maelyn and her family inspired him to create a comprehensive center that offers coordinated, lifelong medical care, individualized treatment plans, social support services, and pioneering research into the disorder’s complexities.

In his own words, Armellino expressed admiration for the resilience of families affected by Williams syndrome and a strong desire to contribute to meaningful progress: “Maelyn, along with her younger brother and my grandchildren, are the lights of my life. I am so impressed by Maelyn’s parents Jenna and Corey, and all the parents I’ve met who are part of the Williams syndrome community. This gift is my way to advance genetic research and to help create a bright future for individuals with Williams syndrome.”

The Armellino Center now serves as a national model for integrated care across the lifespan, accelerating translational research and fostering collaborations with advocacy groups to expand resources and awareness.

This unprecedented philanthropic act not only elevates the standard of care for individuals with Williams syndrome but also brings renewed hope for thousands of families nationwide.