Fundraising
symposium for parkinson's disease
Advancing Parkinson's Research Through Strategic Fundraising
In 2005, I served as the Associate Development Director for the Parkinson's Institute, where I led fundraising initiatives that supported both patient education and groundbreaking research. Our CEO was the world renowned Dr. William Langston.
Working independently, I secured more than $60,000 in philanthropic support, including a competitive grant from the Neuroscience Institute at Stanford University to underwrite the Parkinson's Institute Annual Symposium. These funds made it possible to deliver a high-quality educational event for patients, caregivers, families, researchers, and healthcare professionals.
The funding supported every major aspect of the symposium, including:
- Nationally recognized keynote speakers
- Ballroom and meeting space rental
- Event registration systems and website support
- Educational breakout sessions
- Lunch and hospitality for attendees
- Event signage and printed materials
- Advertising and community outreach
- Email and direct mail campaigns
- Event logistics and operational expenses
Beyond supporting a successful conference, these fundraising efforts helped expand access to trusted medical information, foster collaboration between clinicians and researchers, and provide patients and families with valuable resources for navigating Parkinson's disease.
I also helped develop and launch a capital campaign that raised $1.5 million to advance Parkinson's research. The campaign strengthened the Institute's long-term capacity to pursue innovative scientific discoveries, support clinical research, and accelerate progress toward improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
This experience reinforced my belief that effective fundraising is about far more than securing financial support. It is about building meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, academic institutions, and community partners who share a commitment to improving lives. Successful development work combines strategic planning, compelling storytelling, grant writing, donor stewardship, event management, and careful financial oversight to turn philanthropic investments into measurable impact.
The results of this work extended well beyond dollars raised. They helped create educational opportunities, strengthen scientific collaboration, expand research capacity, and provide hope to thousands of individuals and families affected by Parkinson's disease.
NEWSLETTER
In addition to fundraising, I enhanced the Institute's donor communications by redesigning its newsletter with engaging stories, vibrant visuals, and patient-centered content that highlighted the real-world impact of Parkinson's research and support programs. By sharing stories of hope, scientific progress, and the experiences of patients and families, the newsletter strengthened connections with donors, increased awareness of the Institute's mission, and reinforced the value of continued philanthropic investment.
consulting
Continuing as a Development Consultant
Following my tenure as Associate Development Director, I continued to support the Parkinson's Institute as a development consultant, providing strategic guidance to strengthen fundraising and donor engagement.
In this role, I managed donor and foundation relationships, supported fundraising initiatives and special programs, and developed communication strategies that kept supporters connected to the Institute's mission. I oversaw the production of newsletters, donor communications, and outreach materials that highlighted research advancements, patient stories, educational programs, and the impact of philanthropic giving.
By combining relationship management with compelling storytelling, I helped cultivate donor confidence, maintain long-term engagement, and communicate how every contribution advanced research, education, and support for individuals and families living with Parkinson's disease.