2021 Honoree

Nominated by
Toronto Memory Program
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Anthony 'Tony' Ng saw the signs of dementia in his father years ago and, when he started to experience similar things, he went to the Toronto Memory Program(TMP) for a memory screen.

According to the team from TMP, Tony has been a model volunteer since 2016. He doesn't miss appointments, he keeps his mind and body active, and is well supported by his wife, Kathie. He continues to love learning and playing music, as well as practice speaking other languages. The TMP team adores Tony and Kathie, and are grateful for participants like them.

"There's a practical benefit to being involved in a trial; not just for the future but myself. It makes me realize that we all need to move forward together."

2021 Honoree

Nominated by
Raleigh Neurology Associates
Raleigh, NC

Carol has been a study partner for her husband, John, since 2019 when he was enrolled in the GRADUATE (Roche) study. Since then, John has experienced a significant cognitive decline and Carol's role has changed from wife to caregiver. She has taken on this new role with tenacity and grace and has taken every measure to make sure John does not miss a visit.

John was a career scientist and always believed in supporting scientific investigation, which is why Carol understands the importance of clinical trials. She is knowledgeable and engaged in the process, diligent in communicating her observations of John to the Raleigh Neurology Associates team, and extremely supportive of him during the last 2 years. Both John and Carol know their participation will benefit generations to come.

"Alzheimer's is very slow out of the box to get help. My hope is that some of these new drugs actually start to work. We do what we need to do."

2021 Honoree

Nominated by
QUEST Research Institute
Farmington Hills, MI

Dan has been a research volunteer at many different sites: 4 at QUEST Research Institute, 1 at Northwestern University, 5 at University of Michigan, and 4 online studies. He is a co-facilitator of the Parkinson's Disease Self Group at the Michigan Parkinson Foundation (MPF) and was selected to be a "Hero for PD" at their walkathon. He was a delegate at the World Parkinson's Congress in Japan, submitted a video to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Strokes, and is on the Advisory Committee of the Udall Center at the University of Michigan (where he has been a trial participant).

Dan has spoken at several MPF events in-person and online, as well events for Rock Steady Boxing, the Michael J. Fox Foundation in the D, and Detroit News. He was also an advocate for QUEST at the Van Andel Symposium last September.

Dan has a family history of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease, which gives him a special appreciation for neurological research. His unmatched passion to learn and help advance research is an inspiration to the team at Quest, and a huge morale booster for himself.

"In order to be a helpful volunteer, it's necessary to accept things that may be outside your comfort zone, and not only volunteer for what is easy or convenient but volunteer for what needs to be done."

2021 Honoree

Nominated by
Progressive Medical Research
Port Orange, FL

Sheila's mother passed from Alzheimer's disease, and she wanted to do her part for herself and others. She and her husband, Rick, are a part of Progressive Medical Research's Vietnam Veterans outreach group. Many of their volunteers have come from Sheila's recruitment efforts. Unfortunately, during the COVID-19 pandemic the program was halted. That didn't stop Sheila; she would bring guests to Progressive Medical Research's "lunch and learns" when she could to help destigmatize Alzheimer's and study participation.

Sheila takes her referrals very seriously, and everyone that she's recommended has gets through the pre-screening and qualifies for a clinical trial before a blood test or Alzheimer's testing.

The team at Progressive Medical highly values Sheila and her efforts. They say she is always kind and has a positive attitude, and they need people like her who see the value in participating in clinical trials and impart that encouragement to others.

"I think people need to get more involved in medical research and not be afraid of it. I want to be an advocate."