All in the Name of Women’s Health

Thanks to humanitarians like Margaret “Peggy” Joy, chair of the Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation (MWRIF) board of directors, the future of young scientists and women’s health research is bright.

A partner in the Pittsburgh family law firm McCarthy McDonald Schulberg & Joy, Peggy recently made a multi-year pledge of $70,000 in support of an annual lectureship to be held at Magee-Womens Research Institute (MWRI). These lectures will educate young scientists, providing them the opportunity to interact with distinguished researchers in all fields, throughout the UPMC system and other institutions.

To the right: Peggy Joy, chair of the Magee-Womens Research Institute & Foundation Board of Directors, supports her passion for women's health research through philanthropy.

Like many, Peggy first interacted with Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC as a patient. “My initial interest in Magee was the wonderful medical treatment I received in connection with some surgeries and treatment I had when I was in my twenties, and then later for the birth of my daughter,” explained Peggy.

In the late 1990s, Peggy became involved with MWRIF’s board of directors when the Research Institute was undergoing its initial growth period. “I was inspired by the concept of a research institute so closely connected with a top-flight clinical hospital specializing in women’s and infants’ health issues,” added Peggy.

Heavily influenced by the passion former Magee and MWRIF leaders Irma Goertzen and Dr. James Roberts had for women’s health issues, Peggy felt this gift would allow her to leave her own mark on women’s health research.

Her positive experiences with Magee combined with her personal interest in women’s health issues, compelled this longstanding donor to reach out to MWRI scientific director, Yoel Sadovsky, MD. Together, they developed a plan for the annual lectureship, which will support both Peggy’s research passion and the educational mission of MWRI.

“I really wanted to make an ‘investment’ in the mission of the Research Institute,” said Peggy. “Supporting research is my particular passion, and I am especially interested in nurturing and helping to educate and motivate young scientists who want to make science and research their career. I wanted to foster something that would have a lasting impact on the career paths of these younger scientists.”

Peggy hopes this lecture will give young investigators the opportunity to connect with senior, nationally, and internationally recognized scientists. She is also optimistic that these lectures will help expand Magee’s reputation and its “truly unique and cutting-edge programs.”

Chairwoman of the MWRIF board of directors since July 2006, Peggy treasures working alongside the physicians, researchers, and other leaders within Magee. In addition to sponsoring the annual lecture, Peggy continues to make gifts in support of other events and appeals.

“The rewards to the donor in supporting things you are passionate about are endless. They contribute to a rich life, and fulfill a sense of responsibility that we all should have toward those issues and problems in our world that we can impact; in whatever ways we have available to us. I have loved working with the dedicated community volunteers, all leaders in their own worlds, who care so much about Magee and the patients we serve every day,” said Peggy.

Through her donations, Peggy has helped Magee take steps toward enhancing the quality of healthcare for women of all ages in our community and beyond. The inaugural “The Margaret Prine Joy Lecture in Reproductive Sciences” will premiere in June 2010.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR GIVING: Research Institute