The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation has announced a $15 million grant to the Dallas-based Cooper Institute to continue the legacy of its founder, Kenneth H. Cooper, and support healthy living and aging. 

The grant will be used to preserve the Cooper Center Longitudinal Study (CCLS), establish a chair in prevention research, and promote healthy aging. Since its inception in 1970, CCLS has become the world’s largest study of cardiorespiratory fitness, which in turn has led to wide-ranging research into healthy lifestyles and the prevention and impact of chronic disease. 

“I first learned of Dr. Cooper’s work nearly 50 years ago when I read his book, Aerobics, and it changed my life,” said Blank, founder and chair of the Blank Family Foundation. “I began running and developed an interest in preventive medicine that I still have today. Dr. Cooper invited me to his clinic in Dallas 20 years ago, and that began an enduring friendship that’s one of my fondest blessings. As a member of his board, I saw his passion and concern for the health of all people up close, and I think it would be very hard to overstate the positive impact his tremendous life and work have had on the world. I’m honored and privileged to support the Cooper Institute and help preserve Dr. Cooper’s legacy.”

(Photo Credit: Getty Images/LightFieldStudios)