The Philadelphia Children’s Hospital established a new center dedicated to fetal medicine and research with the help of a $25 million grant from the Wood family, the founders of the Wawa convenience store chain.

The Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center, renamed Richard D. Wood Jr., will use the funds to expand CHOP’s clinical, educational and research work in the field of fetal medicine, and establish a new clinical space to help more families in need. The center also includes a biological repository of birth defects to help research and guide treatment decisions.

Since its establishment in 1855, the Wood family has established contact with CHOP, the first children’s hospital in the United States. The gift presented on Wednesday coincides with the 25th anniversary of the CHOP Fetal Medicine Program.

Richard D. Wood Jr. said: “The mission of supporting CHOP has been part of the Wood family and Wawa DNA for a long time. We are honored to continue to support the hospital’s mission through the Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center. “It’s incredible to see our partnership flourish for decades.”

Since opening in 1995, the Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment Center has become an internationally recognized clinic serving more than 27,000 prospective parents from 50 states and more than 70 countries. The center has pioneered groundbreaking research, advancing the treatment of tumors, birth defects, and diseases that threaten the health of twins before they are born.

Madeline Bell, President and CEO of CHOP, said: “After 8 generations and more than 165 years, the Wood family and Wawa have been invaluable partners and supporters of our hospital.” “This generous investment by the Wood family will undoubtedly help. To promote the transformation of promising science into new therapies that benefit our youngest patients.”