Juana RP, the woman who donated more than 800,000 euros to the CSIC. Image: eldiario.es

Juana RP, an 87-year-old woman who lived a very modest life in the Fuente del Berro neighborhood of Madrid, surprised everyone by bequeathing almost €825,000 to the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) in her will. Ninety percent of her money was specifically earmarked for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s research in Spain. The magnitude of the donation drew attention because no one imagined she had saved such a large sum.

According to those close to her, the decision may have been influenced by Juana’s experience caring for her mother, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease, for years, which left her deeply affected. Although it is unknown exactly how she chose the CSIC (Spanish National Research Council), those close to her believe she wanted to help prevent others from going through the same suffering.

Juana’s donation is one of several received by the CSIC: in the last five years, the institution has raised approximately €3.5 million through bequests and private contributions, some earmarked for specific research projects or centers. The largest recent donation included real estate valued at around €1.7 million.

Source: eldiario.es