Lydia Schoenfeld
“I made these gifts because I realize funds are desperately needed today to speed up research that can benefit so many people,” Lydia says.
Lydia Schoenfeld is intimately aware of the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. She cared for her mother, Ruth Davida Schoenfeld, who suffered from the neurodegenerative disease for several years before her death in 2015.
Her experience as a caregiver inspired a passion for supporting Alzheimer’s research. After the Florida resident learned about innovative work led by Brigham and Women’s Hospital neurologists Dennis J. Selkoe, MD, and Reisa A. Sperling, MD, MMSc, she made a generous commitment to the Brigham through her estate plans. To recognize her philanthropy, the Brigham welcomed her into The Brigham Legacy Society.
In addition, Lydia established the Lydia Schoenfeld Alzheimer’s Prevention Research Fund in memory of her mother, which provides immediate funding to support investigations into this devastating disease.
“I made these gifts because I realize funds are desperately needed to speed up research that can benefit so many people,” Lydia says. “Through this support, the Brigham can advance research today while having resources it can count on to fuel discoveries in the future.”
Her support will help fund Selkoe’s research to develop a diagnostic blood test for Alzheimer’s as well as advance Sperling’s work on the Harvard Aging Brain Study, two closely related projects.
Lydia recalls a conversation she had with Selkoe about her mother’s care, which left a lasting impression.
“Dr. Selkoe was my lifeline,” she says. “He gave me hope and a virtual pat on the back, which is what I needed at the time.”
Likewise, Selkoe is touched by Lydia’s generosity. He says, “Philanthropic support like Lydia’s makes such a difference in our work to treat Alzheimer’s disease and diagnose it earlier—and to provide hope.”
