On Oct. 14, 1923, plans for the new hospital were announced, along with its purpose: to advance pediatric health care and the prevention of childhood diseases through research and training of future health care providers. The Doernbecher family specified that patients would be received in this hospital regardless of their ability to pay.

In 1921, Frank S. Doernbecher left $200,000 through his will (administered by his daughter Ada and son Edward) to benefit the people of Oregon. The Doernbechers were convinced of the need for a special hospital to serve needy children under the care and supervision of the University of Oregon Medical School.

Additional funds were needed to build the new hospital, so in July 1924 the Doernbecher Guild was created to raise and distribute funds in support of the project. Thanks to these efforts, a six-story hospital opened on Marquam Hill on July 30, 1926. Doernbecher Memorial Hospital for Children was born.

Today, Doernbecher is the Northwest’s premier pediatric hospital, providing exceptional family-centered care to the children of the region and beyond.