Marshall began The Judy Fund in July 2003 as our mother, Judy Gelfand, said goodbye to us all. My father's vision was clear: He would raise $1 million from colleagues and friends in Judy's name. And he did just that: Within four months, he engaged a core group of very generous donors, all of whom still generously give today. But we knew we couldn’t stop there.
My father and I were determined to learn about this problem and become part of the solution. We invested in research — from beta-amyloid trials to patient care — and realized we still had a long road ahead. A decade later, The Judy Fund has become the fastest and largest growing family fund at the Alzheimer's Association and our donors continue to make a tremendous impact in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease.
Beyond investments in Alzheimer’s research and care, The Judy Fund has helped build the substantial advocacy efforts of the Ambassador Program. Through The Judy Fund Salon Series, Mind&Heart, we work to educate and ignite public awareness around a disease that disproportionately impacts women around the globe. In 2014, our $5 million fundraising milestone and decade of success was honored with the Sergeant and Eunice Shriver 'Profiles in Dignity' award in Washington D.C. It was a big moment for us all to celebrate.
I am proud to share The Judy Fund success. Read The Judy Fund webpage to learn about all we have accomplished together.
Over 2,800 donors nationwide. 500+ Alzheimer’s Ambassadors. Over $9 million raised and granted.
Thank you for your ongoing support that has made all of these accomplishments possible. Please stay engaged, we have a lot more work to do.
Elizabeth Gelfand Stearns