JP Conte Family Foundation Donates $5 Million to UCSF for Parkinson's Research

Transformative Contribution to Parkinson's Research by JP Conte Family

In a generous move aimed at advancing neurological research, the JP Conte Family Foundation donated a groundbreaking $5 million to the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). This significant contribution was made in November 2024 and is intended to establish two prestigious professorships within the Department of Neurology. The endowed positions will empower researchers to spearhead innovative investigations into Parkinson's disease, a cause close to the heart of Jean-Pierre “JP” Conte and his family.

Jean-Pierre Conte’s journey with this condition began when his beloved father, Pierre Conte, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at the age of 75. JP fondly remembers the time his father spent with his family after they relocated from the East Coast to the Bay Area. Their shared experiences as grandparents created cherished memories in which multiple generations actively participated in each other’s lives. JP recalls his father’s unwavering support during the times he coached soccer at his son’s school, a testament to the deep bond they shared.

Pierre and Isabel Conte, JP's parents, have extraordinary immigration stories that shaped their lives in America. Pierre survived wartime horrors during the Nazi occupation in Lyon, France. At just 18 years old, he immigrated to the United States, ultimately establishing his life in Brooklyn. His skills as a tailor gave him a sustainable career, further enriched by his resilience and adaptability as he transitioned to American life. Isabel, JP's mother, escaped her limited circumstances in Cuba to pursue the freedoms of life in the U.S.

JP’s upbringing in Brooklyn and New Jersey prepared him for a future of success. Mentored by prominent figures from Wall Street, he navigated through education and early career struggles, eventually ascending to the role of chairman and managing partner at Genstar Capital, a well-respected private equity firm.

The unveiling of his father’s Parkinson's diagnosis marked a pivotal moment in JP’s life. His commitment to securing the best medical care propelled him to connect with the esteemed UCSF medical team via the VA Medical Center in San Francisco. It was there he discovered a group of exceptional clinicians dedicated to pushing the boundaries of neurological science.

"I knew right away that my dad was getting the best care possible at the VA," he expressed, reflecting on his father’s healthcare journey. The comprehensive support provided by UCSF, renowned for its leadership in neurology and as a top recipient of NIH funding, offered JP a sense of assurance.

The disheartening battle with Parkinson's ultimately culminated in Pierre’s passing, reinforcing JP's resolve to propel research forward. The great admiration he holds for Dr. S. Andrew Josephson's commitment to improving health solutions speaks volumes about JP’s goals. “Andy is a phenomenal ambassador for UCSF, and his expertise resonates deeply,” JP noted, clearly motivated by a shared commitment to solve complex health predicaments.

For JP, supporting UCSF isn’t merely about funding; it’s about empowering the leading minds in medicine to directly tackle paramount challenges in health. "They are in our backyard, and their work speaks for itself!"

Dr. Josephson expressed immense gratitude for the transformative donation, highlighting how it enables the department to nurture talented faculty and further their research endeavors. “This heartfelt gift not only pays tribute to Pierre's legacy but also propels our commitment to assist brilliant clinician-scientists aiming to enhance treatments and ultimately discover a cure for Parkinson's disease, along with other neurodegenerative conditions,” he remarked.

The JP Conte Family Foundation remains steadfast in its dedication to medical research, emphasizing strategic philanthropy that advances knowledge and improves patient outcomes. Their gift to UCSF encapsulates a profound commitment to neurological research that may one day change the narrative around neurodegenerative diseases.