The CRCNJ is part of the Global Alzheimer’s Platform Foundation® Network (GAP-Net), a growing network of more than 80 academic and private Alzheimer’s research centers across North America working together to speed and improve Alzheimer’s clinical trials. Each year, GAP organizes the National Citizen Scientist Awards to honor research volunteers and their study partners who are part of the research community and the other research centers in GAP-Net. Research volunteers and study partners are nominated in four categories and all are celebrated locally. In addition, GAP selects one Citizen Scientist from each category to be honored nationally.
Every research volunteer and study partner is a necessary part of the clinical trial community that is searching for a cure. For science, there is no such thing as a “failed” study because the results of all clinical trials teach us more about how the disease works. Every trial is a step closer to finding a cure, and every trial is made possible by the research volunteers and research study partners –Citizen Scientists.
Many Citizen Scientists join clinical trials in hopes of treating their own memory loss or to reduce the risk of future memory problems, and to bring hope to future generations. Many have a family history of the disease, and want to honor the legacy of their loved ones, as well as find a cure to help others. All Citizen Scientists are part of the global team working to find treatments and a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
This year, The CRCNJ nominated Marc Kelley and Michelle Snell of our research volunteers and study partners to the Citizen Scientist Awards:
Marc Kelley is a very pleasant, reliable study partner who is a supportive caregiver for his wife and a strong advocate for the Alzheimer’s community. Mr. Kelley has been an advocate for clinical trials and has promoted participation whenever he has a chance, including at many outreach events. He continuously promotes the importance of research and finding a cure. “Nobody enters a clinical trial for themselves. They do so for their children and grandchildren. Every step taken is one step closer to defeating this disease. Also, the extra counseling and care received by the individual trial participant is valuable, reassuring and heartwarming,” said Mr. Kelley, on joining an Alzheimer’s clinical trial and what it means to him.
Michelle Snell has always had a positive, loving, supportive approach to care for her father, managing his disease, and participating in clinical trials. Mrs. Snell’s selfless dedication to her father and finding a cure made trial participation easy to manage and always providing positive feedback and support to Alzheimer’s research. “My dad was incredibly intelligent, active, and loving. He was a scientist and wanted science to figure out the puzzle to curing this disease. We participated in clinical trials to help work toward a cure for this devastating disease. We would do anything to help find a cure!” said Mrs. Snell, on why she joined an Alzheimer’s clinical trial and what it means to her.
Thank you to all our Citizen Scientists. The search for a cure for Alzheimer’s is only possible because of your invaluable contributions.
Because of COVID-19, many Alzheimer’s clinical trials were delayed or postponed. As we begin to resume a more typical schedule and initiate new research, we need more volunteers to pick up where we left off!
If you would like to become a Citizen Scientist or simply have concerns about your memory, please contact The CRCNJ at 973-850-4622.
