Cure Alzheimer's Fund: Targeting Breakthrough Research

As the former senior philanthropic adviser at Harvard University and a nationally recognized expert in planned giving and family philanthropy, Charles Collier has worked with hundreds of individuals and families to help them shape their philanthropy, make tax-wise gift decisions and deal with family issues surrounding financial wealth.

Two years ago, at age 61, Charlie was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, which accelerated his retirement from Harvard last year. He first learned about Cure Alzheimer’s Fund when he sent out his retirement notice to his clients, including Cure Alzheimer’s Fund founder Phyllis Rappaport. Says Charlie, “Phyllis immediately called me and said, in her wonderful way, you’ve got to meet the people at Cure Alzheimer’s Fund.” He had known Henry McCance from Harvard already, but when Charlie attended the Cure Alzheimer’s Fund symposium in October, he decided he wanted to get involved with the organization.

“The country needs to wake up and understand the urgency of finding a cure.”

“I believe it’s critical to support the best researchers in order to find a cure for Alzheimer’s, especially when 100 percent of donations go directly to research,” says Collier. “Every minute a baby boomer is told that they have Alzheimer’s. The country needs to wake up and understand the urgency of finding a cure.”