by Peggy Gerlacher
Operations Associate and
Longest Serving FNIH Staff

As the longest-serving FNIH staff member I remember like it was yesterday, walking into Building 60 — the Cloister — to begin my job with the National Foundation for Biomedical Research, which became the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health.

Where we started and where we are today amazes me. In these 15 years I have seen advances in scientific research I never knew were possible, dedication of doctors, students, staff, and others that continues to astonish and inspire me. And of course none of the support the FNIH gives to the NIH would be possible without the generosity of our donors. In 1997, we began with $200,000. Today, we have raised more than $700 million.

We helped build the Edmond J. Safra Family Lodge with funding from  Mrs. Lily Safra and the Edmond J. Safra Philanthropic Foundation.  To see the lodge go from what was just a parking lot to this incredible building was mind-boggling. We’ve had so many, many, many accomplishments—the mHealth Summit, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation grants—really it’s just the tip of the iceberg.

To say the least, we have come a long way from our humble beginning, and I have such appreciation and pride for the Foundation. I know we are making a difference in this world.

Sincerely,
Peggy Gerlacher