A $10 million gift to the University of Pennsylvania to name the Paul F. Harron, Jr. Lung Center will pay tribute to the late broadcast and cable television pioneer and bolster Penn Medicine’s efforts in providing the most advanced diagnosis and treatment of chronic lung disorders, the University announced. The gift was made by relatives of Mr. Harron, who died of lung disease in 2005, and honors his commitment to support the university’s lung center.

“Paul was a very kind and generous person. Even when he was ill, he thought about helping others. This is a most fitting way to honor Paul’s memory,” said Harron’s sister, Patricia Imbesi.

Millions of Americans suffer from chronic lung conditions, and each year nearly 400,000 Americans die of lung disease, including lung cancer, cystic fibrosis, asthma, chronic occlusive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary hypertension, and pulmonary fibrosis.

“The Harron Center naming gift has provided funding for the physical space of the center, endowed two department chairs, delivered essential research support, and enabled us to offer one-stop convenience to our patients,” said John Hansen-Flaschen, MD, chief of Pulmonary, Allergy and Critical Care Medicine, who also serves as medical director of the Center.

Previously known simply as the Penn Lung Center, the Paul F. Harron, Jr. Lung Center, located in the Ruth and Raymond Perelman Center for Advanced Medicine, unites pulmonologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists, and radiologists, allowing patients to meet all of their care needs in one location. “The Harron Center is unique in offering radiology services in the same suite with thoracic surgeons and pulmonary medicine specialists,” said John Kucharczuk, MD, chief of Thoracic Surgery and surgical director of the Center. “Thanks to Mr. Harron’s family, Penn has realized a long-held dream of supporting translational research and promoting the most efficient and personalized care for patients with chronic lung disease,” Hansen-Flaschen added.

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