Defeating Alzheimer’s Disease:
Dixie and Steve Wilson

Finding solutions for neurodegenerative illnesses.

Imagine taking a look at your family tree — and finding, among the roots and branches, relatives who share a common and dreaded illness. UW Medicine advocate Dixie Wilson did just that, and she found a history of Alzheimer’s disease.

Dixie and her husband, Steve, decided to take action. In addition to supporting present-day research into Alzheimer’s, the Wilsons also chose to put a gift to neurodegenerative disease research in their will. They broadened the scope of their gift deliberately to include conditions besides Alzheimer’s disease. “We left it open to give the researchers an opportunity to diversify,” says Dixie.

The Wilsons say that making a gift that could help families like theirs was truly satisfying. “There’s nothing like getting outside of yourself and looking toward others,” Dixie says.

Pictured: Dixie and Steve Wilson

Learn more about planned giving at UW Medicine.