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About

The Brian Grant Foundation empowers people impacted by Parkinson’s to lead active and fulfilling lives. We provide resources to support well-being, connect people with Parkinson’s to a supportive community, and share the stories of people affected by the disease. BGF was established in 2010, following Brian’s diagnosis in 2008 at the age of 36.

Brian’s Story

Brian Grant was an NBA idol, known for tenacious rebounding and a fearless attitude on the court. During his 12‐year career, he played for five teams and became a strong contributor to his surrounding communities. Today, Brian continues to inspire as a speaker, philanthropist, and a patient who insists on thriving with Parkinson’s disease. His mission is to help people become their best, even when it seems impossible.

Brian started his career at Xavier University where he was Player of the Year twice for the Midwestern Collegiate Conference. He was drafted in the first round, eighth overall, in the 1994 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. His career continued with the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. During this time, Brian also served underprivileged youth and sick families in his community. His contributions earned him the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.



In 2006, Brian retired from professional basketball. Only two years later, he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 36. It was hard for him to believe that his athletic body couldn’t push through the pain or get better with time. He was scared and humbled, yet fiercely determined to be as healthy as possible. This motivation launched the Brian Grant Foundation, for those with Parkinson’s who want to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Since then, Brian has become a sought after keynote speaker. Companies and organizations nationwide are drawn to his authenticity and captivated by his stories that unite us as people, regardless of age or background. Brian is also on the Trail Blazers Alumni Ambassador Corp and he loves to fish, surf, and enjoy the mountains in Oregon.

Brian learned from his coaches that you can’t always control the ball, but you can control your effort. As a father of eight, he wants to show his kids that quality of life takes sweat and determination, but the results are always worth it.

Brian’s Story

Brian Grant was an NBA idol, known for tenacious rebounding and a fearless attitude on the court. During his 12‐year career, he played for five teams and became a strong contributor to his surrounding communities. Today, Brian continues to inspire as a speaker, philanthropist, and a patient who insists on thriving with Parkinson’s disease. His mission is to help people become their best, even when it seems impossible.

Brian started his career at Xavier University where he was Player of the Year twice for the Midwestern Collegiate Conference. He was drafted in the first round, eighth overall, in the 1994 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings. His career continued with the Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. During this time, Brian also served underprivileged youth and sick families in his community. His contributions earned him the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award.

In 2006, Brian retired from professional basketball. Only two years later, he was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 36. It was hard for him to believe that his athletic body couldn’t push through the pain or get better with time. He was scared and humbled, yet fiercely determined to be as healthy as possible. This motivation launched the Brian Grant Foundation, for those with Parkinson’s who want to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Since then, Brian has become a sought after keynote speaker. Companies and organizations nationwide are drawn to his authenticity and captivated by his stories that unite us as people, regardless of age or background. Brian is also on the Trail Blazers Alumni Ambassador Corp and he loves to fish, surf, and enjoy the mountains in Oregon.

Brian learned from his coaches that you can’t always control the ball, but you can control your effort. As a father of eight, he wants to show his kids that quality of life takes sweat and determination, but the results are always worth it.

Our Team

Staff

Katrina Kahl

Executive Director

Leslie Calcagno

Accounts Manager

Board of
Directors

Brian Grant

Founder

Melinda Sych

Board Chair

Jarell Hunt

Board Secretary

Teri Bowles-Atherton

Mark Byrum

Kristin Gaston

Brad Loveless

Greg Miller

Gerry Pigotti

Charlene Quaresma

Medical Advisory
Council

Shannon Anderson, MPAS, PA-C

Oregon Health & Science University

Bas Bloem, MD, PhD

Radbourd University Mijmegen Medical Centre

Amy Dodson, OT

Providence Health & Services

John Duda, MD

Philadelphia VA Medical Center & Perelman School of Medicine

Suketu Khandhar, MD

Kaiser Permanente Sacramento

Soania Mathur, MD

Parkinson’s Advocate

Laurie Mischley, ND, PhD, MPH

Bastyr University Research Institute

Julia Robinson, MSCCC-SLP

Legacy Health

Delaram Safarpour, MD, MSCE

Oregon Health & Science University

Monica Skordilis, MD

Kaiser Permanente

Sukhee So, PT, DPT

Kaiser Permanente

Lauren Wagner, PT, DPT

Providence Health & Services

Jenny Wilhelm, PT, DPT

Oregon Health & Science University

Program Advisory
Council

Cathie Baker

Dan & Pat Baker

Michelle & Dan Garrett

Lynn Hubert

Amy Lavallee

Steve Stryker

Troy Sych

Todd Vogt

Robin Woodward

Our Partners

Platinum

Gold

Silver

Bronze

The Brian Grant Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving the well being of people with Parkinson’s.

Brian Grant Foundation

650 NE Holladay Street, Suite 1600
Portland, OR 97232
We are unable to respond to personal or speaking requests of Brian Grant. Items sent to our office for his signature will not be returned.

Email

info@briangrant.org

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