Letter from the Chair: August 2025
Dear Friends and Supporters,
Since my last report in December 2024, much has happened at both the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute (PPRI) and the Pacific Parkinson’s Research Centre (PPRC)—and there’s much more ahead. I’d like to share some key highlights and give you a heads-up about two major upcoming events that you may want to mark on your calendar.
First, my sincere thanks to everyone in our community who has supported PPRI over the past several months by attending events, volunteering your time, or contributing financially. The Board remains deeply grateful for your commitment to advancing groundbreaking research toward a cure for Parkinson’s disease and improving the quality of life for those living with it.
Thanks to the extraordinary generosity of our donors, PPRI received nearly $1 million during the 2024–25 financial year. In the same period, we pledged approximately $5 million to fund a wide range of Parkinson’s research projects, with distributions planned over the next two to ten years.
As you can imagine, we’ve been busy. One of the highlights of the spring was our Annual Scientific Briefing, held on April 29 at UBC’s Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre. More than 100 guests joined us to hear compelling updates from lead investigators on research made possible through PPRI funding. Attendees engaged directly with researchers, associates, and graduate students, and explored over a dozen scientific posters detailing milestones achieved across various PPRC projects.
Also in April, we were proud to learn that PPRC has once again been designated a Parkinson’s Centre of Excellence by the Parkinson’s Foundation—an international recognition that brings added prestige and increased access to funding. Congratulations to the entire PPRC team!
On June 6, at the North Shore Seniors’ Health Expo in West Vancouver, Dr. Samantha Schaffner and I presented the Bjorn Moller Research Repository (BMRR) to an enthusiastic audience. The BMRR is a recently launched repository for the storage of biological samples, clinical data, and demographic data. Ready access to these samples and data will significantly accelerate work of movement disorder researchers. The response was incredible, and we were thrilled that dozens of people signed up to participate. Our goal is to recruit 400 participants by 2028—half of whom will be individuals living with Parkinson’s, and half serving as a control group. As of July 21, 149 individuals have enrolled, and 95 have completed the first of two stages. If you’re interested in joining this important research initiative, please contact Dr. Schaffner at bjorn.moller.repository@ubc.ca or (604) 822-3177.
In July, the UBC Department of Medicine opened applications for an Assistant Professor (Grant Tenure Track) in the Division of Neurology. I’m pleased to share that, through our newly-established Drs. Stuchly Fund for Excellence in Parkinson’s Research, PPRI will be providing the majority of the funding needed for this important new position. The successful candidate will lead an independent research program focused on the early detection and prevention of neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson’s. More details will be shared this fall once the position is filled.
This month, PPRI has also been able to support a promising young researcher, Dr. Biruktawit Michael Tesfay, a consultant neurologist and assistant professor from Ethiopia, who completed a study term at PPRC in July.
Looking ahead, under the strong leadership of Dr. Barry McBride, our Research Committee has been hard at work reviewing proposals and setting new research goals. Stay tuned for announcements later this year regarding further significant PPRI investments in cutting-edge Parkinson’s research.
In the meantime, please mark your calendar for October 15, 2025—we’ll be sharing another major research update during a joint PPRI and PPRC event at the Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health at UBC. If you’re interested in attending, please let Sharon Bradley know (sbradleymanagement@gmail.com) and be sure to mark the date on your calendar.
Save the date: Our next Annual Scientific Briefing is scheduled for Wednesday, May 6, 2026, to be held at the same venue as in 2025—UBC’s Robert H. Lee Alumni Centre. We hope you’ll join us.
Before closing, I’d like to recognize two notable board transitions:
Rod Scheuerman, who served with distinction on the Board for many years—including as Chair from 2014–2019—has retired. We are profoundly grateful for Rod’s enduring contributions and leadership.
John Norton, who joined the Board in 1992 at the invitation of PPR’s founding Chair, John Nichol, passed away this June. Over more than 30 years, John made a lasting impact through his dedication to PPRI’s mission and his genuine kindness toward all. He will be deeply missed.
Please join us at our upcoming events and consider helping to grow the BMRR project. The relationship between PPRI, PPRC, and our community continues to inspire us all and propel vital research forward.
Good health is built on daily movement, nutritious food, and quality time with loved ones. I hope the rest of your summer and fall are filled with joy and connection.
Warm regards,
Don Anderson
Chair, Pacific Parkinson’s Research Institute (PPRI)