In Memory of Steven Russell

It is with profound sadness that we at Brain Support Network (BSN) announce the passing of our dear friend, Steven Russell, on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Steven was a pivotal figure in the creation of BSN, serving as a founding Board member.  His unwavering belief in BSN’s mission was reflected in his final act of generosity—donating his brain for research. (Brains from neurologically-normal donors are needed.)

Steven was diagnosed with metastasized esophageal cancer only four days before his death.  He had started losing weight in late June, but it took some time to get the attention of his Kaiser healthcare team.  In the usual Steven Russell way, he did not seem particularly concerned about himself.  He was very concerned about placing too much burden on his sister and friends. On Saturday afternoon, a physician finally gave us the news we didn’t want to hear but needed to have – Steven had 2 to 4 weeks of life.  The next day, Steven arrived at the home of his sister Marilyn.  We began scheduling visits from family and friends.  But apparently having decided not to draw matters out, Steven passed three hours after arriving at his sister's home, shortly after the hospice intake nurse had left.

Steven’s journey with the Parkinson’s Disease (PD) community began in 1993 when his father, David, was diagnosed with PD.  Steven was his father’s primary caregiver, a role he embraced with compassion and dedication.  After his father’s passing, Steven remained committed to the PD community, volunteering for over 18 years.  He was instrumental in organizing numerous events with Parkinson’s Patients Support Groups (PPSG), the Parkinson’s Foundation, and the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA).

Steven was a founding Board member of BSN, and served as BSN’s director of finance for 12 years.  Steven’s responsibilities spanned accounting, treasury management, fundraising, and organizing events, including three large symposia on neurological disorders in the last few months.

For a decade, Steven worked with Stanford University’s Parkinson's Community Outreach Program, where he made a lasting impact, particularly in his work with PD caregivers.  His coordination of four monthly caregiver-only support groups was a testament to his wisdom.  He established a support group for men with PD on the Peninsula.

Beyond his work with BSN and the Parkinson’s support groups, Steven was deeply committed to our community more broadly.  He served as a team leader and volunteer coordinator for Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, and as a community ambassador for Save The Bay.  Every year, Steven registered new voters and worked at the polls on election day.  Just last Thursday, while awaiting a PET scan, he encouraged someone in the waiting room to vote.

During his early career in corporate travel management, Steven scoured the globe, traveling to well over 100 countries.  Always a modest person, Steven would never share the full count–but it was hard to find a country that he had not visited.  Steven was a proud alumnus of Reed College, class of 1974.

Steven leaves behind his sister Marilyn, brother Alan, four nephews, and other family.  He also leaves behind the team at Brain Support Network and his friends in the PD community, Second Harvest, and Save The Bay.

Steven will be deeply missed by all who knew him.  His legacy of service, compassion, and commitment to improving the lives of others will continue to inspire us all.  He was a selfless, kind, and gentle person.