Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Raises Nearly $1.4 Million at Eight Annual Memories Matter

The Alzheimer's Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) hosted its Eighth Annual Memories Matter event on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. The evening, filled with hope and optimism, gathered 500 guests and raised a record-breaking nearly $1.4 million. One hundred percent of the proceeds will go directly towards cutting-edge science and support the ADDF's mission of accelerating the development of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease. 

Memories Matter Founding Chairs, Stephanie Ginsberg and Wendy Wilshin, both shared poignant reflections on their families’ personal experiences with Alzheimer's, as well as their ongoing commitment to the ADDF’s mission. They celebrated the extraordinary progress the event has made over the past eight years and expressed their gratitude for the growing community of supporters dedicated to battling this disease.

“Drugs are available with new treatments in the pipeline, blood tests are making Alzheimer’s easier than ever to diagnose, and science-backed prevention strategies are empowering people to take control of their brain health,” said Ginsberg and Wilshin. “This is what your generosity fuels. This is the impact we’re making together. This is a testament to the power of our collective efforts. Tonight, we’re here to celebrate all we’ve accomplished—and to reaffirm our commitment to the work still ahead.”

Chair of the ADDF’s Board of Overseers Chris Johnson shared his own experience with losing his father, New York Giants running back Ron Johnson, to Alzheimer’s disease.

“It was devastating to watch my father slip away, and I treasure every memory I have of him. But I feel such hope and optimism standing in front of you today and knowing that the work the ADDF is doing really is making a difference,” said Johnson.

Additionally, Phyllis Ferrell, DrPH, MBA, Strategic Consultant to the ADDF and member of the ADDF Board of Overseers, shared how the latest developments in Alzheimer's drugs, diagnostics, and prevention are providing hope to families around the world. Her work leading late-stage Alzheimer’s drug development at Eli Lilly, which led to Kisunla becoming available for patients, was inspired by her own father’s diagnosis with the disease. 

“I have been in this field for a long time, and I have never been more excited than I am today,” said Ferrell. “All the progress we are seeing is leading us toward the ultimate goal of combination therapies and precision medicine, the same approach that has been effective in cancer treatment. We are at the precipice of a revolution in Alzheimer’s care and innovative organizations like the ADDF are driving us forward.”

Notable guests included Hope and Marc Altheim, Bal Agrawal, Sandy and Ron Ashendorf, Mara and Steven Canner, Michelle Romanoff Cohen, Cindy and Glen Edelman, Joel Florin, Jeff Gates and Mike Moran, Debby and Paul Glickman, Stephanie and Ian Ginsberg, Nancy Goodes, Elizabeth and Paul Greenbaum, Karen and Joseph Javitz, Kiera and Chris Johnson, Carla and Rob Karen, Katherine and Josh Lauder, Alicia and Stephen Nussdorf, Lori and John Reinsberg, Jamie Seidner and Jonathan Rubin, Cindy and Laurence Tell, Laura and Stephen Toma, Jules and Joe Watson, Sandra Wegman, Renata and Alex Weiss, and Wendy Wilshin and Ron Dickerman, among others.

Event sponsors included Filippo Berio USA Ltd., Madison International Realty, the National Mah Jongg League, Robin and David Reis, Round Pond Estate and the MacDonnell Family, Liz and Randal Sandler, and Wendy Wilshin and Ronald Dickerman.