Larry Gifford has spent nearly 30 years on radio and is currently the National Director of AM Radio for Corus Entertainment in Canada.
Larry Gifford is President of the patient-led non-profit PD Avengers, also known as Global Alliance to End Parkinson's Disease Assn. He was diagnosed with Early Onset Parkinson's Disease (EOPD) in August 2017 at the age of 45. In 2018, he launched the podcast "When Life Gives You Parkinson's," sharing his personal journey with the disease. In 2023, Larry had Deep Brain Stimulation.
His advocacy extends to serving on the Michael J. Fox Foundation Patient Council, hosting the Foundation's podcasts, and participating in various initiatives to raise awareness and drive research efforts. He has also worked with World Parkinson's Congress, World Health Organization, Cure Collective, Brian Grant Foundation, Journal of Parkinson's Disease, Parkinson Canada, and Parkinson Society British Columbia. In recognition of his significant contributions, Larry was awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in November 2024, honoring his impact on the Parkinson's community in Canada and worldwide.
Larry, his wife and care partner Rebecca and their son Henry reside in Vancouver, British Columbia.
The MJFF Patient Council was established in March 2009 as a formal channel for the Foundation to solicit input from PD patients and the broader Parkinson's community. The Council advises the Foundation on programmatic fronts including (but not limited to) strategies to best convey patient priorities to the research community and its funders; content and emphasis for patient education and outreach relevant to MJFF's mission to find a cure; patient roles in developing novel ways to conduct research; and mechanisms for impact assessment.