One Million Dollars Per Mile To Close the Biggest Gaps in Women's Aging Research

/PRNewswire/ - The Buck Institute for Research on Aging and renowned orthopedic surgeon, researcher, and women's health advocate Dr. Vonda Wright have teamed up to introduce Move the Mountain. This major philanthropic campaign and endurance challenge is set to reshape the future of women's health research. The effort targets 79 million dollars, equaling one million dollars for each mile of Dr. Wright's 79-mile mountain test, to create The Vonda Wright Women's Health Foundation at the Buck Institute's Center for Healthy Aging in Women. This will serve as a lasting base for exploring women's distinct biology and its influence on healthspan.

Starting September 16 to 20, 2026, Dr. Wright will tackle the 29029 Trails Race in Park City, Utah, a demanding mountain endurance test, then the 29029 Everesting Race in 2027. These two events form her 79-mile challenge, where each mile advances funding for research women have needed for generations.

Women outlive men but endure more years in poor health. Even so, many biological systems affecting women's aging stay vastly understudied and underfunded. One key gap involves the ovary, which affects cardiovascular, neurological, metabolic, immune, hormonal, and musculoskeletal health across a woman's life. Its part in aging has yet to be fully charted.

"For more than twenty-five years, women have posed the same query: why these deep shifts in our bodies, and why so few answers?" says Dr. Vonda Wright. "The data simply does not exist because the research was never supported at the level women required. We cannot fix issues we have never properly examined. The ovary may rank among the most vital organs in female longevity, yet we still lack full insight. This is not charity. This is infrastructure."

Move the Mountain aims to alter that path. Via philanthropy, scientific progress, and public involvement, the campaign will supply key funding for high-impact research often hard to support through standard means, spurring discoveries to draw larger investments and speed new paths to better healthspan for women.

"Vonda's goals align well with the Buck Institute's scientific expertise," says Dr. Eric Verdin, President and CEO of the Buck. "The Vonda Wright Women's Health Foundation will anchor this effort in a lasting home, linking a strong public voice with top research facilities to turn the momentum from the mountain into enduring scientific gains for women everywhere."

Early Foundation goals include building one of the first full scientific maps of the aging ovary, advancing studies on the Musculoskeletal Syndrome of Menopause, speeding progress in female sexual health, and backing women-led pilot projects to spark future breakthroughs. All projects will be chosen for their ability to yield clear scientific advances, clinical uses, and real public benefits.

Campaign gifts start at 79 dollars, letting individuals and supporters from Dr. Wright's circle join in reshaping women's health. For major donors aiming to boost the Foundation's reach, naming options range from one million dollar Mile Champion gifts to a full 79 million dollar Mountain Builder commitment for the Foundation's long-term scientific plans.

To find out more or contribute, reach out to Lisa Palma, Director of Philanthropy, at the provided contact.

About Dr. Vonda Wright: Vonda Wright, MD, is a double board-certified orthopedic surgeon, researcher, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author focused on advancing women's health and longevity. For over two decades, her efforts have helped women gain strength, mobility, and resilience through proven methods for musculoskeletal health, performance, and aging. A key figure in women's health, Dr. Wright has treated elite athletes, led groundbreaking research on active aging, and inspired many via her books, talks, and educational work.

About the Buck Institute: Our success will ultimately change healthcare. At the Buck, we aim to end the threat of age-related diseases for this and future generations by bringing together the most capable and passionate scientists from a broad range of disciplines to identify and impede the ways in which we age. An independent, nonprofit institution, our goal is to increase human healthspan, or the healthy years of life. Globally recognized as the pioneer and leader in efforts to target aging, the number one risk factor for serious diseases including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, cancer, macular degeneration, heart disease, and diabetes, the Buck wants to help people live better longer.

Media contact: provided email

SOURCE Dr. Vonda Wright