Hope on the Harbor

Renaissance Boston Seaport District

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Reception will begin at 5:00 PM
Dinner, Program & Live Auction 6:00 PM

Business Attire

2026 Hope in Action Award
Dan Hogan

Dan exemplifies the very spirit of the Hope in Action Award through his extraordinary commitment to amplifying awareness, compassion, and advocacy for all those impacted by Alzheimer's and other dementias. His leadership, lived experience, and unwavering dedication have transformed programs, inspired other volunteers, and elevated the voices of those living with the disease in ways that cannot be measured.

A lifelong community-builder-from his Peace Corps service to decades as a respected management consultant, academic, and nonprofit leader-Dan brings a rare combination of intellect, humility, and heart to everything he does. His extensive academic background (Yale, Harvard Law School, and a Harvard Ph.D. in Psychology) reflects a lifetime devoted to understanding people and systems, and he channels that wisdom directly into his advocacy.

Within the Alzheimer's Association, Dan's impact has been profound. He is an active member of the New England Early-Stage Advisory Group, a powerful mission speaker who moved audiences at the Hope on the Harbor Kickoff and multiple Walk to End Alzheimer's events, and a frequent contributor to the Voices of Alzheimer's program, helping educate professionals in health and senior care. His appearances on the CONNECT TV series and at corporate events like the Biotech Networking Night, Alnylam patient series, and Novartis patient series have helped bring visibility and humanity to the lived experience of dementia.

As one of the top fundraisers for the 2026 Greater Boston Walk to End Alzheimer's and our proud Blue Flower representative, Dan uses his voice and influence to energize others and expand the mission of the Alzheimer's Association. His thoughtful and impactful remarks at the 2025 Massachusetts Advocacy Day inspired widespread engagement, and he continues to deepen his role as an advocate, with plans to attend Advocacy Forum in Washington DC this year.

Dan is also a champion for representation, consistently advocating for the inclusion of people living with dementia in key events, conversations, and decision-making spaces. His leadership helps ensure that the voices of those most affected are heard, respected, and centered.

Beyond our organization, Dan also contributes to the broader field as a Research Ambassador with the Massachusetts Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and as a Council Member on the Dementia Solutions Advisory Council at Brigham & Women's Hospital, further demonstrating his commitment to advancing research, care, and understanding.

For his sustained service, his powerful storytelling, his tireless advocacy, his generosity of spirit, and his ability to inspire hope through action, Dan is exceptionally deserving of the Hope in Action Award.

Make a donation in honor of Dan Hogan 

2026 Hope Champion Award
Richard Schilder

Richard Schilder exemplifies the essence of the Hope Champion Award through his extraordinary leadership, advocacy, and long-standing commitment to advancing the mission of the Alzheimer's Association. His decades of athletic achievement-including 22 Boston Marathons, 35 additional marathons, and 3 Ironman Triathlons-reflect a level of discipline, endurance, and heart that he now channels into the fight against Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Rich's connection to the mission is deeply personal. After helping care for his father during his experience with Parkinson's Disease and Lewy Body Dementia, Rich began supporting the Alzheimer's Association in 2005. That same year, he became the first-ever running coach for Team End ALZ, laying the foundation for the team's growth and inspiring hundreds of athletes and caregivers over the decade that followed.

Throughout the years, Rich has taken on numerous roles within the organization, not only as coach of the Boston Marathon team, but also a coach for the ALZ Stars Chicago Marathon team, as well as serving as a Team End ALZ Task Force member, a dedicated supporter and volunteer of the Ride to End ALZ New England and other endurance initiatives. His coaching philosophy-rooted in preparation, adaptability, and community support-has helped countless participants reach their physical and fundraising goals. For many caregivers who join the team, Rich provides a rare sense of clarity, accomplishment, and confidence at a time when the caregiving experience can often feel overwhelming and uncertain.

A thoughtful advocate for caregiver support, Rich emphasizes the importance of reliable information, emotional resilience, and access to resources. He champions the vital role of the Alzheimer's Association's Care and Support services and works to ensure that families know where to turn for help. His efforts not only raise critical funds but also empower families to navigate the dementia journey with greater strength and less isolation.

Rich's leadership extends beyond athletics. He is a powerful ambassador for philanthropy, raising awareness and inspiring others to give-whether through research participation, community engagement, or financial contributions. His belief in the collective impact of small actions fuels his dedication to bringing others into the mission, knowing that each individual effort helps move us closer to a future without Alzheimer's.

Driven, compassionate, and deeply committed, Rich brings people together, lifts them up, and moves the mission forward in lasting and meaningful ways. His sustained contributions, both as a leader and as a catalyst for hope, make him profoundly deserving of the Hope Champion Award.