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Grand Opening
September 14 & 15, the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer's Center & Research Institute celebrated the opening of this state-of-the-art facility. The two day celebration welcomed over 500 people to tour, meet scientists and clinicians, and see new cell imaging technology. Sherrill Tomasino, board member and Treasurer for the board, opened the event saying:
We gather to harvest the seeds of hope that were planted in 2002 when a man with a dream and determined spirit committed Florida to defeat the Alzheimer's beast.
Through those doors walk people who are counting on that commitment and who want to be a part of it.
Families come seeking expert diagnosis.
Drug companies come to partner scientists and practitioners to help unravel the bio-chemical mystery that shrouds this disease.
Senior scientists – men and women who have devoted their professional lives to research and education – come because they believe the Byrd Institute is the place where they can take their work to the next level and move us all toward the cure.
The Founder, Former Speaker of the House, the Honorable Johnnie B. Byrd, Jr. and his family welcomed guests to share in the historical moment. He also thanked supporters for their part in helping us achieve this giant step forward in Alzheimer's research.
Teddy Bears for Elders
One of the common problems facing people with Alzheimer’s disease is stress and anxiety. A stressed patient is more likely to wander, to get lost, or to hurt himself/herself or a caregiver. A doll or stuffed animal gives the patient a “friend.” Talking, holding, and hugging helps soothe and comfort.
The Rough Riders worked with the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute and lead the drive to collect the plush toys. Together, with other community groups we provided teddy bears and other plush toys to patients in nursing homes in the area.
CEO Notes
Budget Ax Swings and Trims
Science is expensive. That is not a great selling point in tough budget times.
But the failure to do research is, as they say, “priceless.”
- In Florida the economic cost is $10 Billion dollars a year. For the typical family in the Bay area, that is $50,000 a year more than the average household income.
- Families provide almost ¾ of all the care for a person with Alzheimer's.
- Medicare does not cover much care for Alzheimer's.
- Many caregivers leave the workforce at the peak of their career, costing companies skilled workers, and costing the worker a big hit on their retirement benefits that usually grow most during these peak earning years.
The Florida Legislature faced a very difficult crisis when they met in special session to reduce the state's budget by about $1 billion dollars. Each state agency was asked to find ways that they could reduce expenses.
The department that serves Florida's seniors suggested that they would take their $13 million dollars share of the cut by reducing the funds for Alzheimer's research at the Institute by $10 million dollars per year. That was a loss of 2/3 of the Institute's budget.
In time, the Legislature decided that the road they started building in 2002 was the right path: a statewide center with a single mission, preventing and curing Alzheimer's disease.
The Institute lost 10% of its annual budget. A hard loss, but one we bear in the company of many other worthy and important projects that were also trimmed by what was a careful budget cutting knife instead of a brute ax.
Alzheimer's research: $13.5 million.
The end of Alzheimer's disease: priceless
- New treatments: the Institute has brought 14 new drugs to the area by working with pharmaceutical companies. Drugs that are not otherwise available.
- Economic value: a dedicated research building that will support more than 120 scientists and clinical staff. That capacity translates into tens of millions of dollars of new research funding.
- A promise kept: Florida will lead the fight to cure this disease.
- Hope: for those diagnosed and for those who fear it is in their future.
Research Today, memories forever.
Huntington Potter, Ph.D.
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