Anton Yelchin Foundation Donates $1M to USC’s Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at Keck Hospital

The Anton Yelchin Foundation has donated $1 million to the University of Southern California (USC) Center for Cystic Fibrosis – Adult Care at Keck Hospital to thank the center for its efforts in managing the healthcare of the late American actor.

Yelchin, who had cystic fibrosis (CF), was cared for at the USC Center for Cystic Fibrosis – Adult Care for 10 years. He died in 2016 at the age of 27 in a motor vehicle accident.

He had been most recently known for his role playing Chekov in the “Star Trek” movies.

The adult CF clinic, which is managed by Adupa Purush Rao, MD, professor of medicine at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, was established to help patients with CF evolve from childhood to adult care. The clinic’s multidisciplinary team collaborates with patients, their caregivers, and families to generate personalized therapeutic strategies that will permit them to manage their condition and live healthier lives.

“The staff at the cystic fibrosis clinic was like a family to Anton,” Irina Yelchin, Anton’s mother, said in a press release. “He worked hard and was dedicated to living a healthy life. When he needed assistance, they were always there for him.”

Irina, along with Anton’s father, Victor, founded the Anton Yelchin Foundation in remembrance of their son. Its mission, according to its website, is to empower young people pursuing careers in the creative arts who face difficulties due to disabilities or disease.

Irina and Victor Yelchin, as well as the board of directors of the Anton Yelchin Foundation, gathered in late October at the recently named Anton Yelchin Cystic Fibrosis Clinic along with Keck Hospital’s CF team to celebrate the donation.

“Anton had a generous spirit,” said Victor Yelchin, CEO and president of the board at the foundation. “This gift not only reflects our gratitude to the clinic but also Anton’s dedication to helping others.”

CF is a genetic disorder characterized by an accumulation of mucus in the lungs and other organs. CF patients often develop lung infections, and experience poor weight gain and growth. It is estimated that about 30,000 people in the U.S. have CF.

CF patients often need daily medical therapies, and can require hospitalization or lung transplant. Scientific progress has, however, helped patients with the disease live longer and healthier lives.

“Because of Anton’s strong will and the dedication of the cystic fibrosis team at USC, he lived an exceptional, productive life,” Irina Yelchin said.