A Transformative $5 Million Donation to Help Combat Alzheimer's Disease

Significant Donation to Advance Alzheimer’s Research

In a remarkable act of philanthropy, Bill and Rebecca Reed have pledged a generous $5 million gift to UT Health San Antonio, specifically targeting advancements in Alzheimer's and neurodegenerative disease research through the Glenn Biggs Institute. For families across South Texas grappling with dementia, this donation represents a beacon of hope, aimed at addressing the urgent need for innovative solutions in this critical area of health.

This substantial contribution will launch the Bill and Rebecca Reed Fund for Precision Therapies and Supportive Care, a significant resource that will bolster the mission of the Biggs Institute. With an emphasis on promising research, patient care, and strategic initiatives, this fund embodies the Reeds' steadfast commitment to finding effective therapies for a disease that impacts millions.

Bill Reed, who has been actively involved with UT Health San Antonio as a volunteer leader since 2013, expressed his concern for the detrimental effects of dementia. He stated, "Dementia affects far too many families. It was important for us to support efforts focused on finding solutions to this growing health challenge."

The gratitude expressed by UT San Antonio President Taylor Eighmy highlighted the transformation that such investments can achieve. “Bill and Rebecca Reed's generosity empowers the institute to keenly focus on a growing public health challenge,” Eighmy emphasized, underscoring the critical role the Biggs Institute plays in addressing dementia through accelerated research and care.

In recognition of this generous gift, the existing precision therapy center at the Biggs Institute will be renamed as the Bill and Rebecca Reed Center for Precision Therapies and Supportive Care. This center was previously initiated with the Reeds’ support back in 2019, which laid the groundwork for establishing a National Institute on Aging-designated research center in collaboration with The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Dr. Sudha Seshadri, the founding director of the Biggs Institute, elaborated on the concept of precision therapy, noting, "Every individual experiencing dementia has unique health profiles that dictate how the disease manifests and progresses. Understanding these differences is crucial in tailoring effective treatment strategies."

The establishment of the Reed Center coincides with the recently unveiled Center for Brain Health at UT Health San Antonio, a state-of-the-art facility that encompasses the Biggs Institute within a 103,000-square-foot space dedicated to comprehensive clinical care, innovation in research, and support for caregivers.

Dr. Francisco Cigarroa, senior executive vice president for health affairs at UT San Antonio, acknowledged the profound impact of the Reeds' latest gift, particularly for local patients and families disproportionately affected by dementia. He expressed optimism that this financial support will significantly advance the institute's mission to foster groundbreaking research initiatives and lead to transformative outcomes.

Motivated by the vision of the late Glenn Biggs, who suffered from Alzheimer’s, the Reeds are committed to furthering the mission of the Biggs Institute. Bill Reed shared, "Rebecca and I are proud to support the institute's extraordinary mission at the Bill and Rebecca Reed Center for Precision Therapies and Supportive Care. This center will offer hope and promise for many patients."

The Biggs Institute currently oversees over 55 clinical trials and more than 265 observational studies, focusing on diverse areas such as drug development, aging-related research, and Alzheimer's disease. Their research employs cutting-edge technology to improve patient outcomes, including predictive analytics for fall prevention and monitoring of treatments through wearable devices.

UT Health San Antonio plays a pivotal role as the academic health center of The University of Texas at San Antonio, serving over 2.5 million patient visits each year and providing comprehensive education across various disciplines, including medicine and public health. The institution's commitment to pioneering medical advancements continues to solidify its position as a leader in health science.

By supporting institutions like UT Health San Antonio, the Reeds are contributing not only to groundbreaking research but also to the cultivation of compassionate care models that can ultimately improve the quality of life for countless individuals and families impacted by dementia.