MSU gets $1 million donation to study women’s health

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — Michigan State University has received a million-dollar donation to study women’s health issues from a couple whose daughter suffered from a variety of undiagnosed problems for years.

Ward and Mari Margaret Walstrom gave the money to the College of Human Medicine’s Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Biology.

“Maybe this is just one little puzzle piece, to help solve the problem thousands of women across the world are experiencing: years of horrible pain with no answers or relief,” said Mari Margaret Walstrom in a press release. “We see this as a starting point to spare others from suffering…we have to start somewhere, to give women hope.”

The school will use the money to create a training program that will work to increase the number of healthcare workers who focus on women’s issues. It will also help pay for lectures and presentations by leaders in the women’s healthcare field.

Ward Walstrom is a Spartan alum.

“It is our desire to support MSU’s research in women’s health, including causes and cures for pelvic pain, and potential relationships and effects of drugs suppressing the immune system,” he said in the release.

“We are grateful for the support of Ward and Mari Margaret Walstrom, which will inspire the next generation of medical clinicians and researchers in women’s health,” said MSU President Kevin Guskiewicz in the same release. “Their gift will provide greater access to resources and opportunities and will hasten the pace of bringing health innovation to improve women’s lives.”

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