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 StoryBrian 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. |
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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
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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.