Eastern Virginia Medical School has announced a $15 million gift from Lawrence J. Goldrich and his wife, Janice, in support of an institute for neurodegenerative disorders.

The largest gift in the school's history will establish the EVMS Lawrence J. Goldrich Institute for Integrated NeuroHealth, a comprehensive, multidisciplinary care facility for patients affected by neurological disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, and provide learning opportunities for EVMS students and residents, improve access to new drug therapies and clinical trials, and accelerate research initiatives.

A real estate developer based in Virginia Beach, Goldrich has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, which affects more than ten million people globally.

"The Goldrich gift will be a lasting legacy and is a transformative moment not only for EVMS, but also for the Hampton Roads community," said Richard V. Homan, president and provost of EVMS and dean of the School of Medicine. "This funding is a testament to the vision of the Goldrich family and their dedication to improving the lives of people suffering from neurodegenerative disorders. I cannot thank them enough for their generosity and faith in our institution. EVMS aspires to be the most community-oriented school of medicine and health professions in the nation, and their gift moves us much closer to achieving our goal."

"Over the last few years we have given thought as to how we could act as a catalyst to improve patient care in Hampton Roads for individuals and their families living with neurodegenerative diseases," said the Goldriches in a statement. "Larry's personal struggle with Parkinson's disease forced us to realize that the facilities available for treatment and education were limited, adding to the frustration of simply living with the disease."