The Judy Gelfand Research Fund for the Alzheimer's Association Surpasses $1.5 Million Goal Ahead of Schedule

Alzheimer's Association
Monday, 23 June 2003

Gelfand family set new goal at $1.8 Million

The Judy Gelfand Research Fund, which benefits the Alzheimer's Association's research program, has raised $1,586,000 since it began in March 2003, surpassing its goal and ahead of schedule. "The Judy Fund," established by Marshall M. Gelfand of Palm Springs, Calif., on behalf of his wife, a prominent community leader, was expected to reach $1.5 million by June 30.

"We have surpassed our goal earlier than expected," said Gelfand. "As there are many more friends and associates who are still responding, we set a new goal of $1.8 million with the campaign to be completed by June 30. My family and I are deeply touched by this generous outpouring."

Every dollar raised by "The Judy Fund" will support Alzheimer research funded by the Alzheimer's Association. The Alzheimer's Association is the largest private funder of Alzheimer research, having committed $136 million toward research since 1982.

"We are grateful to Marshall Gelfand for his generous commitment to helping the association further its efforts to fund research into this dreadful disease," said Sheldon Goldberg, president and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association. "There is tremendous momentum in research right now and The Judy Fund is contributing to science that may lead us to a means of slowing the progression of Alzheimer's or preventing its onset."

The Alzheimer's Association receives a high volume of research-funding requests from around the world. The momentum that exists today in the global effort to study and develop better Alzheimer treatments, preventions and curative strategies is both encouraging and challenging. The Alzheimer's Association is important to this effort because it is considered a key player in funding critical basic research that may lead to future discoveries. Many established researchers in Alzheimer's disease were originally funded by the association.

Each year The Judy Gelfand Research Fund will support two highly promising research projects that the Alzheimer's Association would otherwise be unable to support. Potential projects include investigations into the molecular and genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer's disease as well as the impact of cultural, behavioral and environmental factors on disease progression.

For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org