Born in Fort Atkinson in 1948, Nicola “Nicki” Kenseth worked as a secretary before meeting and marrying Roy Kenseth. The Kenseth name is well-known is Wisconsin, both because Nicki’s son, Matt, is a legendary NASCAR driver, and because of the family’s generous philanthropic efforts. Nicki succumbed to Alzheimer’s disease at age 63, and Matt and his sister, Kelley, have made it their mission to support Alzheimer’s disease research, hosting many fundraising events in their mother’s honor.
Alzheimer’s
The Chin Family
Dr. Nathaniel Chin chose to become a doctor because of his father, Moe Chin, who was a physician in his hometown of Watertown, Wisconsin. However, when his dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, Dr. Chin changed his career focus to geriatrics and moved from California to Wisconsin to help his mother as a caregiver to his father. Although Dr. Chin’s father succumbed to the disease, he continues to honor his father’s memory through his work.
The Kubek/Peterson Family
Learn more and about the charitable gift fund Jill and Jim Kubek created to support the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s Research Fund. “We have seen first-hand how dementia and Alzheimer’s have scourged so many in our parents’ generation. Jill and I are determined to make things better for our generation and the ones that follow,” said Jim.
The Clifton Family
Will Clifton, member emeritus of the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s Board of Visitors, acted as a caregiver for his parents who both developed Alzheimer’s disease. His passion for preventing and ultimately curing Alzheimer’s disease has led him to develop collaborations in a number of areas. “If I’m going to be a part of true change across communities, I need to have a positive impact on the community as a whole, and focus on the ever-present disparities of who has access to care and who’s not having their needs met,” Will said.
Save the Date! Memories Matter Livestream
Wednesday, October 20, 7 p.m. — Join us online for a panel discussion with Dr. Sanjay Asthana, Dr. Nathaniel Chin, Dr. Carey Gleason, Gina Green-Harris, Dr. Cynthia Carlsson and Dr. Sterling Johnson, as they highlight some of the latest advancements happening at UW–Madison to help protect memories and ultimately find a cure for Alzheimer’s disease.
The Nordeen Family
Much like the beginnings of their relationship, the life and story of UW-Madison alumni Kit and Buzz Nordeen is one of charm, play, hard work, and at times, struggle. The signs of memory loss first appeared when Kit was driving. She got lost and couldn’t remember her way home. Kit suffered from the most common type of Alzheimer’s disease, late-onset, an illness also suffered by Kit’s late mother and younger brother…
The Holland Family
Learn about Lou Holland Sr.’s legacy and join the Holland family in advancing a cure through research, health equity and patient care through your support of the UW Initiative to End Alzheimer’s. Together, we can improve lives and build a future without Alzheimer’s disease.