For nearly 80 years, the needs of patients have inspired our work, from helping to establish the National Marrow Donor Program to opening Wisconsin’s only adult sickle cell clinic.
Versiti’s combination of world-class research and clinical care creates a powerful bridge between scientific insights and life-saving treatment.
James is living with sickle cell disease, a painful blood disorder that causes major side effects, but has turned his personal battle into health advocacy. The sickle cell research happening at VBRI, especially in gene-editing treatments, gives him hope for a future without pain and with fewer blood transfusions.
Weeks after he was born, Zach was diagnosed with severe hemophilia A, an incurable disorder that makes it difficult for blood to clot. Zach and his family were referred to Versiti for medical care and support. Now, Zach is a varsity athlete, thanks to regular, self-administered factor VIII infusions.
Twins Lily & Bailey faced leukemia diagnoses just 18 months apart. Their treatment journey was challenging, requiring many transfusions, but their bond helped them through it all. Today, both are cancer-free, a testament to the advancements in cancer care coming out of the research at VBRI.
MACC Fund Commits $11.5 Million to Propel Pediatric Cancer Research at Versiti Blood Research Institute
The MACC Fund has committed $11.5 million to advance pediatric cancer research at the Versiti Blood Research Institute, strengthening a long-standing partnership dedicated to improving outcomes for children facing leukemia and other blood disorders.
Federal Funding Bill Commits $3 Million to Versiti Blood Research Institute Expansion
The federal government funding bill, signed into law on Feb. 3, includes $3 million in support of the Versiti Blood Research Institute (VBRI) expansion in Wauwatosa, Wis.
Hope Starts Here
At Versiti, the belief that blood research saves lives isn't just part of our mission. It's personal. Before we opened our doors to the public, before we asked our community to join us in something bold, we asked ourselves. And the answer was extraordinary.
Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast Explore Science Careers at VBRI International day of Girls and Women in Science
VBRI welcomed more than 90 Girl Scouts for International Day of Girls and Women in Science, offering hands-on STEM activities and mentorship from women researchers.
The Invest in Hope campaign scales our research efforts for today’s patients and builds a better future for tomorrow’s, but we can’t do it alone. Your generous support fuels our calling to improve and save lives through each of our three campaign pillars.
Transform how blood disorders are diagnosed and treated by translating laboratory discoveries into new therapies, more precise treatments, and better outcomes for individuals facing blood cancers, bleeding disorders, and rare hematologic conditions.
Recruit and retain premier researchers by growing our principal investigator team, doubling our research capacity, and bringing 100 new jobs to the Milwaukee Regional Medical Center.
Expand the Versiti Blood Research Institute, creating cutting-edge research spaces that facilitate collaboration and allow breakthrough discoveries to reach the clinic more quickly.
Step inside our lab spaces where curiosity transforms into cures and every experiment holds the promise of a scientific breakthrough. In 2026, the VBRI expansion will open with new lab and collaboration spaces and even more researchers, bringing us that much closer to life-saving cures. Your support makes it all possible.
“Every donation creates a lifeline for someone who needs it most. We never know who or how many people we might help with even a single act of generosity. Hope becomes real when we show up for our community and I’m honored to be part of that impact.”
Clarke Sinclair
Director of Employee Engagement & Strategic HRBP, Versiti
“Versiti's commitment to advancing blood health aligns with our own mission to create meaningful impact. Helping accelerate research makes a real difference in patients' lives. In other words, it's simply the right thing to do.”
Natalie Forward
Executive Vice President Business, Felix Global
“The research we invest in today fuels breakthroughs that will help patients for generations to come. I’m proud to champion a mission that creates lasting impact by strengthening the care and hope we can offer patients and their families when they need us most.”
Heather McAvoy
Manager, Internal Communications, Versiti
Generous Corporate Supporters of Invest in Hope Include
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With the ongoing Versiti Blood Research Institute expansion, Versiti is entering a period of transformational growth. The promise of scientific breakthroughs, greater research capabilities, and, most of all, rising patient need, makes this the right moment to accelerate our impact. Your support ensures our researchers have the tools, technology, and resources needed to turn today’s discoveries into tomorrow’s cures.
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Invest in Hope launched in early 2026 and will run until the end of 2027. This campaign is designed to provide sustained financial support as we work towards our goal of opening the VBRI building expansion by the end of 2026.
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Every gift, no matter the size, helps fuel scientific discovery that improves and saves lives. The Invest in Hope campaign strengthens the foundation of VBRI’s research efforts, enabling breakthroughs in treatments for bleeding disorders, cancer, and more. If you’ve supported Versiti before, this campaign is a powerful way to deepen your impact.
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Our advancement team can help you explore planned giving options, such as beneficiary designations and other legacy gifts. We encourage you to consult with your financial or legal advisor, as well. To learn more, reach out to us directly at BRIfoundation@versiti.org and we’ll guide you through the process.
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You can also support Invest in Hope by sharing VBRI’s mission with your family, friends, and community, and encouraging them to donate. Every form of outreach strengthens our impact and helps our mission to save lives.
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Yes. Versiti is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, which means you can claim a deduction for 100% of your donation on your tax return.
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Please contact Director of Advancement Rachel Margolis-Goodman at RMargolis@versiti.org if you have any additional questions.
Thank you to the dedicated community servants and leaders who generously support Versiti and the Versiti Blood Research Institute Foundation.
Versiti Board of Directors
- Alan Whaley, Chairman
- Dale Kent, Vice Chairman
- Coreen Dicus-Johnson, Secretary
- Ron Miller, Treasurer
- Nicholas Bauer
- Dixon Benz, II
- Fred Geilfuss, II
- David Ginsburg, MD
- Cecelia Gore
- Michael Graft
- Sherry Husa
- Jacopo Leonardi
- James McGill, MD
- Chris Miskel
- Molly Mulroy
- Maggey Oplinger
- John Shull
- Gregory Wesley
VBRI Foundation Board of Directors
- Dixon Benz, II, Chair
- Kathy Klein, Vice Chair
- Jason Dvorak, Secretary
- Emery Harlan, Treasurer
- Andy Anderson, PhD
- Guy Crane
- Lisamarie Collins
- Fred Geilfuss, II
- Chris Miskel
- Abhishek Pulakanti
- John Raymond, MD
- Anne Wall