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June 5, 2025 Renaissance Boston Seaport District

Hope Champion Awards

Hope Champion Awards

We established our Hope Champion Awards in 2013 to recognize extraordinary families and corporations who exemplify our mission in action: Care, Support and Research. These families and corporations have been exemplary in working to increase awareness, advocacy, service, research and support at a pace that is equal to the growth of the disease.

Currently, more than 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and by 2050, without a cure, this number may reach nearly 14 million. With one in eight Americans over 65 living with Alzheimer’s, it is likely that you already know someone impacted by the disease. The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research.

 

2025 Hope Family Champion: The Pardus Family

Team Pardus established a family tradition of running the Boston Marathon with Team End ALZ in memory of their beloved mother and grandmother, Marilyn Pardus. The Pardus clan also runs in honor of Don Pardus, the family's rock and Marilyn's high school sweetheart, husband of over sixty years, and dedicated care provider. The Team consists of Marilyn's daughter (Sue Pardus), son (Dave Pardus), granddaughters (Taylor Galland and Elysse Pardus), grandson (Chris Galland), future grandson-in-law (Justin Knight), and son-in-law (Bob Goodman).

To date, members of the Pardus clan have completed six Boston Marathons with Team End ALZ. The cause will always hold a special place in the family's heart. Marilyn's oldest daughter, Sue, completed her fourth marathon on April 18, 2022, the day Marilyn passed. The following year, five family members completed the 2023 Boston Marathon on the one-year anniversary of her passing.

Whether freezing through torrential downpours or surviving scorching temperatures, the marathoners have been committed to trekking 26.2 miles with the goal of raising awareness and funds to End ALZ. This has only been possible with the endless support of the broader "Team Pardus." The real heroes are the family and friends who took it upon themselves to tirelessly support Team End ALZ's mission by cheering from the Marathon route with motivational signs, "Pardus Fan Club" shirts, high-fives, hugs, Advil, Icy Hot, extra socks, snacks, and moral support, along with critical fundraising. To date, they have raised over $300,000 through the years to support the MA/NH Chapter.

Team Pardus is honored to support the MA/NH Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association. The Pardus family is deeply touched by the amazing generosity of family, friends, colleagues, and others impacted by Alzheimer's who have joined them in their marathon effort End ALZ.

Team Pardus 2023

In loving memory of our beloved Mom / Grandma

2025 Hope Corporate Champion: UBS

UBS is leading the financial services industry in the fight to end Alzheimer's! Since 2017, UBS - Greater New England Market, has been a supporter of the Washburn Challenge and the presenting sponsor for the last three years. UBS's commitment has made the Washburn Challenge one of the most successful fundraisers for The Alzheimer's Association's 'Longest Day' event in the country.

Each June, UBS leads advisors, clients, employees, family, friends, industry peers, and competitors to gather in Falmouth, Cape Cod, to bike 22 miles, kayak 7 miles around Washburn Island, and celebrate their fundraising efforts. The financial services industry is often on the front lines of detecting cognitive decline of their clients. UBS is leading the way in raising vital awareness and funding to support a cause that is one of their clients' biggest fears. They have also inspired some of the most recognized names in the industry to get involved, and this year the Washburn Challenge will significantly surpass $1 million raised since it began in 2017!

Additionally, UBS continues to demonstrate a passion for educating advisors and clients on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of dementia and what to do if anyone needs support. UBS's commitment to the cause, their personal investment of time, generous donations, and resources have positively impacted every aspect of the Alzheimer's Association mission.

2025 Hope Corporate Champion UBS

Previous Hope Award Champions

2024

Barry & Natalie Greene
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts

2023

PwC
Campbell Family

2022

LCB
Kevin Reynolds

2021

iHeartMedia
Jim & AnneMarie Ross

2020

Bank of America
Glenn and Faith Parker

2019

Eisai
Bob Reynolds

2018

Amgen, Inc.
Linda & Des Mac Intyre

2017

Carol M. Meyrowitz and Family

2016

Biogen
Beth & Richard Fentin

2015

Forum Pharmaceuticals
Jim Garrett

2014

Tufts Health Plan
The Lissy Family

2013

The TJX Companies, Inc.
The Shriver Family
 

For more information about this event, contact alross@alz.org or (617) 393-2092