USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute held a private reception and mobile research exhibition Saturday, November 5. The “Evening at the Suite” event showcased their newest addition, the Memory Research Suite, as well as honored the contributions made by the Porter family during a presentation and portrait unveiling. The painting, a custom piece by a Florida Highwaymen artist, features a silhouette representation of the three sons of James H. “Wiregrass” Porter and Martha M. Porter: Don Porter, Tom Porter, and Bill Porter. Dr. Dave Morgan, director of the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute, spoke about the incredible breakthroughs in the field of Alzheimer’s research and the importance of funding. Byrd Medical Director Dr. Amanda Smith discussed the importance of the Memory Research Suite as a necessary tool in their research efforts. Dr. Eric Pfeiffer, founding director of the Suncoast Alzheimer’s and Gerontology Center at USF, recalled his interactions with the late Mr. and Mrs. James Porter, as he treated Martha Porter over the many years she lived with the diagnosis.
In 2004, the Porter family made a gift of $2.85 million to the USF College of Medicine, in collaboration with the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr. Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute, in order to support critical Alzheimer’s research. The gift was made in honor of the late Martha M. Porter who was diagnosed with the disease in her late 50s.
For more information on the USF Health Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute and the Mobile Research Suite, click here