Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Celebrates Next Generation of Alzheimer’s Advocates at Fourth Annual House of Purple Event

On Thursday, November 13, the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation (ADDF) hosted its Fourth Annual House of Purple at Tribeca Rooftop in New York City. The event honored Michelle Florin Canarick, Buyer Experience Staff Product Manager at Etsy and ADDF Young Professionals Committee member. Canarick was presented with the Outstanding Volunteer Award for her unwavering support of the ADDF’s mission to rapidly accelerate the development of drugs to prevent, treat, and cure Alzheimer’s disease.

Each year, the ADDF Young Professionals Committee (YPC) hosts this special event to bring together the next generation of Alzheimer’s advocates. The YPC has built a passionate community united by a shared commitment to finding a cure for this devastating disease, which affects not only those diagnosed but also their families and loved ones.

In a special moment, the Outstanding Volunteer Award was presented to Michelle Florin Canarick by her brother, David Florin and father, Joel Florin, a member of the ADDF’s Board of Overseers: “It is an honor to present this award to my daughter. I’m incredibly proud of everything Michelle has accomplished working with the YPC and ADDF, a mission that is immensely personal for her and our family,” said Joel Florin. “Michelle is, without question, a leader who demonstrates remarkable resilience, grit, and unparalleled dedication.”

Accepting the award, Canarick said, “My mom, my best friend, my role model, my superstar, was 54 years old when she was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s, a disease that took so much from my family. Since joining the ADDF YPC in 2019, I’ve never been more certain that with the right resources and investments, we will find a cure in our lifetime. You have the power to turn grief into hope. You have the power to give back graduations, weddings, hugs, and bedtime stories. You have the power to give back years full of laughter and love.”

Following Canarick’s heartfelt remarks and recognition of her dedication, the evening continued with an inspiring message of hope from the ADDF’s Chief Executive Officer, Mark Roithmayr: “Tonight is all about passing the torch, generation to generation, to make sure this fight continues until Alzheimer’s is no more. We’re entering a whole new era – one where we’re using the biology of aging to create smarter, more effective treatments that work together to target Alzheimer’s from every angle. Because of the work we’re doing now, you and your children will have real options when it comes to treatment. With your energy and passion, we will defeat this disease.”

YPC Co-Founder and Co-Chair Josh Lauder reflected on the incredible progress the YPC has made since its inception, noting, “My grandfather Leonard Lauder cared so deeply for the ADDF and always dreamed of bringing in the next generation—people like you. As of tonight, this community has raised over one million dollars to support the ADDF’s funding of groundbreaking Alzheimer’s research, pushing us toward a new world without this horrible disease.”

More than 400 guests attended the event, which consisted of curated food stations, dancing to live music, and sipping on a signature cocktail, compliments of ADDF partner Filippo Berio.

Notable guests included Alissa Anderegg, Charlie Cangro, Richard Chenel, Gina and Matteo Fochetta, Katie Ford, Michelle Florin Canarick and Marc Canarick, Stephanie Ginsberg, Katherine and Josh Lauder, Laura and Gary Lauder, Julie Medler, Audrey Peterson, Maggie Sandler, Tom Scanlan, Lizzie Toma, Juliet Toma, and Laura and Steve Toma, and Reed Vettel.

Throughout the year, the ADDF YPC hosts social and fundraising events to network and support critical Alzheimer’s research. For more information or to get involved, visit www.alzdiscovery.org/about-addf/young-professionals-committee.