For the past four years, Scott Miller’s family and friends have honored the memories of his father and father-in-law through donations to Alzheimer’s Disease Research, helping advance promising discoveries and bring hope to families affected by this devastating disease.
Scott Miller first started hosting euchre card games in his Irondequoit, New York, collision shop after his father-in-law, Bob VanHove, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. “He was just a euchre fanatic, so we started playing with four guys once a month,” Scott recalled. “The next thing you know, it was four tables every week. Even as the disease progressed, he would win as much as anybody. His doctors were amazed.”
The Millers were already intimately acquainted with Alzheimer’s. Scott’s father had also been diagnosed, and his family cared for him at home until the last months of his life. After Bob’s diagnosis, Scott, his wife, and their family provided that same kind of support to Bob and his wife, Iris.
When Bob passed away a few years ago, Scott approached his fellow euchre players with an idea. (The group includes Scott’s daughter, some of his buddies, and a few of their grown kids. They now play twice monthly.) “I said, we all know somebody who’s passed away from Alzheimer’s. Let’s set aside a portion of the pot every week, and we’ll donate it to a cause. The group takes advantage of matching gift challenges to double their impact.
April 2026 marked the team’s fourth contribution to BrightFocus Foundation’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research program.
“Alzheimer’s is a vicious disease, and any progress they can make in treatment and discovery is huge in my book,” Scott said. “Bob inspired us to keep playing. Everyone looks forward to it—It’s a great night, a great group of people, and a great cause.”
This story originally appeared in BrightFocus Foundation’s 2026 annual report.
BrightFocus Foundation is a premier global nonprofit funder of research to defeat Alzheimer’s, macular degeneration, and glaucoma. Since its inception more than 50 years ago, BrightFocus and its flagship research programs—Alzheimer’s Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research—has awarded more than $330 million in research grants to scientists around the world, catalyzing thousands of scientific breakthroughs, life-enhancing treatments, and diagnostic tools. We also share the latest research findings, expert information, and resources to empower the millions impacted by these devastating diseases. Learn more at brightfocus.org.
Disclaimer: The information provided here is a public service of BrightFocus Foundation and is not intended to constitute medical advice. Please consult your physician for personalized medical, dietary, and/or exercise advice. Any medications or supplements should only be taken under medical supervision. BrightFocus Foundation does not endorse any medical products or therapies.
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