For Frank Dvorak, a diagnosis of Type 1 diabetes early in life sparked a lifelong journey of managing the condition while maintaining a successful career. It also became the foundation of his deep connection to Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and its research arm, the Benaroya Research Institute. Frank and his wife Vivien, married for over 60 years, have long supported both organizations, motivated by the care they’ve received and Frank’s personal interest in advancing autoimmune disease research.
Now, the Dvoraks have made a remarkable commitment to the future of health care and research with a $7 million gift in 2024, bringing their total contribution to $10 million to Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Foundation. This estate gift will be split equally between Virginia Mason and Benaroya, with $5 million designated for each. Their combined generosity over the years has helped support groundbreaking research at Benaroya and will continue to ensure excellent patient care at Virginia Mason.
“We are tremendously grateful for the Dvoraks’ deep commitment to Virginia Mason Franciscan Health,” notes Ketul J. Patel, CEO of Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and President of CommonSpirit Health’s Northwest Region. “We thank Frank and Vivien for this transformational gift and for generously supporting Virginia Mason Franciscan Health’s mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities we serve and Benaroya Research Institute’s pursuit of a cure for autoimmune diseases. Their commitment to philanthropy and to living their values is an inspiration to us all.”
A legacy of advancing life-changing health care
Frank’s connection with Virginia Mason began as a patient, but over time, it grew into a deeper relationship. As he managed his Type 1 diabetes, Frank became particularly invested in the research at Benaroya, leading him to join the Benaroya Board of Directors, where he served from 2011 to 2022. In 2014, the Dvoraks’ $2 million gift established the Frank and Vivien Dvorak Chair in Diabetes, supporting research into autoimmune diseases, particularly Type 1 diabetes.
“We were inspired by the incredible care we received at Virginia Mason,” says Frank. “We wanted to give back in a way that would impact others, both through the hospital’s patient care and Benaroya’s research.”
Accelerating the path to cures for autoimmune diseases
At the core of Benaroya’s work is the pursuit of cures for autoimmune diseases, such as Type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The institute’s groundbreaking research into the immune system aims to translate laboratory discoveries into therapies that can improve patients’ lives.
The Dvoraks have long been committed to supporting this vision. Their most recent gift will enable further advancements in autoimmune research, contributing to the institute’s global efforts to unlock new treatments and potential cures.
Frank and Vivien’s generosity toward world-class health care and leading-edge research will leave an enduring legacy, improving lives for generations to come. With philanthropy that extends beyond Virginia Mason and Benaroya, and support for numerous nonprofits and causes, the Dvoraks ultimately hope to inspire others to reflect on their own legacies and the impact they can make.
