John Legend’s Performance Benefits Cincinnati Children’s Research
Post Date: March 27, 2025 | Publish Date:
John Legend, acclaimed singer, songwriter and Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony award winner, made a difference in two important ways when he visited Cincinnati on March 21, 2025.
His performance at the annual Kaleidoscope event at Music Hall raised funds for pediatric research and innovation at Cincinnati Children’s. He also visited our Burnet campus to engage with patients and dedicate the newly named “John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Family Lounge” in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU).
“It’s extremely meaningful to me to support this hospital that shows so much compassion to families and helps give every child a chance,” Legend says.
A Space for Families, Inspired by Personal Experience
The John Legend and Chrissy Teigen Family Lounge is designed to provide comfort and respite for families navigating the challenges of having a newborn in intensive care. With some infants staying in the NICU for an average of six months, the lounge offers a crucial space for families to find solace, connect and support one another.
For Legend and Teigen, the project is personal. The couple suffered a pregnancy loss of their son Jack at 20 weeks. It was an unimaginably hard time, and they found support and healing in a community of other parents.
“We wanted to break the stigma of shame that so many feel when they suffer pregnancy loss or have fertility struggles,” Legend says. “Sharing our stories gave us an opportunity to heal together.”
Philanthropy Fuels Pediatric Research
Legend’s benefit performance highlights the importance of philanthropic gifts as a funding source for advancing science.
Cincinnati Children’s operates one of the largest pediatric research programs in the country. Here, 50 research divisions assemble thousands of scientists, clinicians and lab staff who use the latest advanced technology to make groundbreaking discoveries in the pursuit of better outcomes for childhood diseases.
While the National Institutes of Health provide our largest source of research financing, a variety of funding gaps persist and many innovation opportunities need support. Philanthropy plays an essential role in advancing early-stage research and translating scientific discoveries into life-saving treatments.
“Breakthroughs don’t happen on their own—they require commitment, investment, and a belief in what’s possible,” says Steve Davis, MD, MMM, president and CEO of Cincinnati Children’s. “Philanthropy is the driving force that keeps discovery moving forward, especially during times of uncertainty, like we are facing in today’s environment. Your support ensures that research doesn’t stall, that innovation doesn’t slow, and that hope never fades.”
Cincinnati Children’s extends special thanks to presenting sponsor: Fort Washington Investment Advisors and Western & Southern Financial Group.
How You Can Support Discovery
Cincinnati Children’s is conducting priority campaigns in areas including cancer treatment innovation, organoid research and efforts to move mental health diagnosis and care further upstream to achieve higher impact.
Visit here to give in support of the Kaleidoscope event. Thank you!
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About this blog
The Research Horizons blog features news and insights about the latest discoveries and innovations developed by the scientists of Cincinnati Children's. This blog does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
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