Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation Recognized for Philanthropy at Alzheimer's Conference 2025

Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation Honored

The Alzheimer's Association® held the 2025 Alzheimer's Association International Conference ® (AAIC®) in Toronto, where the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation received the prestigious Jerome H. Stone Philanthropy Award. This accolade recognizes their relentless efforts and leadership within the realm of Alzheimer's research.

For over 15 years, the Erb Family Foundation has steadfastly committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer's disease, significantly shaping the landscape of dementia research. Fred A. Erb, who previously transformed his family's firm into Michigan's largest supplier of lumber and materials, also fostered deep-rooted values of philanthropy that he shared with his late wife, Barbara. His battle with Alzheimer's lasted over a decade until he passed away in 2013, a poignant period that drove the foundation's mission to combat this ailment.

Joanne Pike, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, stated, "We are honored to present the Jerome H. Stone Philanthropy Award for Alzheimer's Research to the Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation. Their visionary leadership in advancing research will benefit countless individuals affected by this debilitating disease now and for years to come."

Leslie Erb Liedtke, a trustee of the foundation, emphasized their dream, saying, "The Erb Family Foundation aspires to a world free from Alzheimer's disease. Our ongoing commitment to funding groundbreaking research aims to foster treatments and, ultimately, find a cure."

Since 2009, the Erb Family Foundation has collaborated with the Alzheimer's Association on several critical research initiatives:

1. Zenith Fellows Award Program - Offering prestigious grants to U.S. and international researchers focusing on accelerating the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's and other dementias.

2. Early Career Researcher Funding - Supporting emerging researchers with innovative ideas to study dementia and create new treatment avenues through the International Research Grant Program, which helps attract dedicated talent to the field.

3. Fred and Barbara Erb Clinical Research Science Fellowships - Established in 2023, this program represents the foundation's largest investment in Alzheimer’s research. It not only provides research grants but also includes stipends for professional development, crucial for nurturing future researchers.

4. A4 Study (Anti-Amyloid Treatment in Asymptomatic Alzheimer's) - Though this ambitious trial did not yield successful preventive measures, it has paved the way for innovative therapies aimed at addressing the disease’s biological mechanisms.

5. U.S. POINTER - The foundation plays a pivotal role in the Alzheimer's Association's U.S. Study to Protect Brain Health Through Lifestyle Intervention to Reduce Risk, one of the largest clinical trials aimed at assessing lifestyle interventions in the battle against cognitive decline.

The Fred and Barbara Erb Family Foundation embodies a commitment to creating a better future, shaped by the shared passions of Fred and Barbara for health, culture, and community improvement within the Great Lakes region. Their philanthropic legacy continues to inspire efforts in health research, environmental stewardship, and democratic values.

The Alzheimer's Association's mission remains devoted to ceasing Alzheimer's and all other dementia by promoting global research, enhancing risk reduction strategies, improving early detection methods, and maximizing the quality of care and support for those affected.

For more information about the work of the Alzheimer’s Association and its upcoming events, you can visit their website at alz.org or reach out at 800.272.3900.