History

“Our mission at Einstein is to protect the most vulnerable and – as a ‘Jewish hospital’ – to reflect Jewish humanitarian values and be at the forefront of care. This is what we are about. The values and the mission we represent made establishing the Victor Center a natural fit. If we could help prevent babies being born with these life-threatening Jewish genetic diseases here in Philadelphia and throughout the country it became an imperative for our hospital to lead the fight.”

Our Founder

The Victor Center was founded in 2002 by Lois B. Victor in partnership with Einstein Healthcare Network in Philadelphia. Ms. Victor lost two children to a Jewish genetic disease before a test for the disorder became available. The experience galvanized her commitment to ensuring that no family endures the heartache of a preventable illness by making certain Jews of childbearing age are screened and get the information they need to have healthy children. Ms. Victor is an Einstein Healthcare Network Trustee, a native of Boston and a long-time resident of South Florida.

How would you describe the long-term mission of the Victor Center?
That it remain the gold standard for testing of Jewish genetic diseases and continue to educate the community about how important testing is before pregnancy. That we continue to impart the message that these diseases are all preventable and that a simple blood test can change your life.

Why did you found the Victor Center?
So that other people would not have to go through what my family went through.

What is your strongest memory or achievement?
Every time we begin a new partnership, we move closer to making it possible for people to have an easier time knowing where and how to get tested. The more partnerships we make, the more information we get out there, the more people can go out and get tested, the better.