2022 Honoree

Nominated by
EvergreenHealth Research Program
Seattle, WA

Eric has been going to EvergreenHealth Research Program for several years, participating in all types of studies he is eligible for. Eric has a selfless attitude about his diagnosis, and the team at EvergreenHealth describes him as someone who wants to be the change for others. He volunteers for any outreach event they ask, will share his story openly, and said he would donate his organs to research if needed.

Eric went to the doctor for what he thought was an essential tremor. After receiving a diagnosis of Parkinson's disease, he decided to do something about it.

His family was originally hesitant to start participating in trials but, for Eric, it is how he feels hope. He says he has never been treated as a 'subject', always as a person, and that participating in research as given him a sense of purpose.

"This isn't a death sentence; this is a life sentence. If we get enough people involved in research, we can figure out how to slow it and stop it."

2022 Honoree

Nominated by
Cleveland Clinic Center for Brain Health
Cleveland, OH

When Jenny was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Joe saw research involvement as another opportunity for them to reinforce their commitment to each other. They have been a partnership for over 40 years, and this is simply an additional chance for them to come together as a team.

For Joe, Jenny's involvement in research gives him reassurance, as they are regularly meeting with doctors. He helps maintain her social life, physical activity, and eating a healthy diet. His involvement with Jenny's research has enabled her participation in several studies, including the recently approved Aduhelm (also known as Aducanumab). They were also featured in the Washington Post encouraging others to get involved in research.

"You didn't choose Alzheimer's but how you respond to it is your choice"

2022 Honoree

Nominated by
University of Kansas
Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
Kansas City, KS

Bob attended an informational session on Alzheimer's research over a decade ago and has been an active research participant at the University of Kansas Alzheimer's Disease Research Center sense. He regularly shares his passion for research with anyone who will listen, was a member of the KU ADRC Ambassadors group whose role was to support and share outreach events, has given countless presentations, contributed to videos and publications for AD, and has directly recruited at least 25 participants into research studies.

The team at KU ADRC describes Bob as a true champion for research with his countless hours of volunteerism and that their efforts would not be the same without his dedication. Bob says he is simply doing his part to find a cure for his children and grandchildren.

"The shortage of volunteers is a real hinderance. Scientists cannot make progress without help. We need more volunteers."

2022 Honoree

Nominated by
Clinic Center for Brain Health
Cleveland, OH

As a retired social worker and family therapist, Jenny knew that when she was diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) that she wanted to get involved in research to help others. She has been involved in several studies, including the recently approved Aduhelm (also known as Aducanumab) study from Biogen, and she hopes that data will be useful in other trials. Jenny says that any challenges she faces come from her day-to-day life and that being involved in research reassures her that she can handle anything.

The team at Cleveland Clinic Brain Health Center describes her as remarkable positive and inspiring. She and her husband Joe are always willing to share their story and the importance of getting involved in research. They say they have gained confidence through their participation and found lifelong friends from the Cleveland Clinic team.

"I can spur people on to know it's not the end of your life, you have a lot more to live."