UCLA Health has received a significant donation from the Canarelli Family Foundation, totaling $10 million. The funds are allocated to enhance two vital programs within the institution. A sum of $6 million is designated for the UCLA Arline and Henry Gluck Stroke Rescue Program, facilitating the launch of a third mobile stroke unit. This specially designed ambulance will offer advanced clinical care in prehospital settings, improving early diagnosis and treatment outcomes for stroke patients.
The remaining $4 million will establish the Canarelli Family Oligodendroglioma Brain Tumor Research Fund within UCLA’s department of neurosurgery. This initiative aims to support research into therapies for oligodendroglioma, a rare brain cancer, and provide fellowship resources for focused study on the disease.
Johnese Spisso, CEO of UCLA Hospital System and president of UCLA Health, expressed gratitude for this philanthropic gesture: “We are grateful to the Canarelli family for their generous and impactful philanthropy.” Dr. May Nour, director of the stroke rescue program, noted that with this gift, “our fleet will expand to three vehicles,” enhancing their ability to assist more stroke survivors.
The Canarellis were motivated by personal experiences when making these contributions. Their daughter Stacia Lemke was diagnosed with oligodendroglioma last year and received successful treatment at UCLA under Dr. Linda Liau’s care. Heidi Canarelli reflected on her motivations: “A stroke is something that can happen to anyone… Even though these units are hundreds of miles away from where we currently live, it means a lot to us that more people in our former community will receive this extraordinary level of care.”
Dr. Liau emphasized the importance of their contribution: “Their investment in oligodendroglioma research and training will touch the lives of future patients facing this disease.”
Larry Canarelli also shared his perspective on giving back: “Helping others is a value that Heidi and I have carried throughout our lives… Making this gift to UCLA Health just feels right — we could not be prouder to support this exceptional institution.”
Larry founded American West Homes in Las Vegas and now leads BRUIN Capital Partners. Both he and Heidi actively participate in their foundation’s initiatives supporting education, health, housing sustainability, and arts primarily in Las Vegas Valley.
