We’re committed to altering the course of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
The Sharon Francis Foundation was established by Dr. Robert Francis in honor of his late wife Sharon Francis, who had a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. It is Dr. Francis’ belief that by supporting scientific research in the field of Alzheimer’s, we are contributing to the advancement of therapies to treat and potentially cure this devastating disease which affects millions of people today, including 500,000 Canadians.
Visit our Ways to Give page for details on the innovative research we are currently supporting.
About Sharon Francis
(Sharon Francis)
Sharon Francis was born in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada. She graduated from St. Martha’s School of Nursing in Antigonish in 1964.
Sharon and Dr. Francis met at a school dance organized by St Francis Xavier University in 1963 and soon after they moved to Montreal as their careers’ next steps were to take place at McGill University. Sharon was hired as a live-in nurse at the female residence from 1964–1966 and Dr. Francis was completing his medical degree. Sharon was then hired as a nurse at the Royal Victoria Hospital (part of the McGill University Health Centre) and given her competence, she was quickly promoted to senior assistant head nurse. She and Dr. Francis were married in 1966 and after Dr. Francis completed his medical degree, they moved to Toronto. They had two children, Shaun and Ashli-Paige Francis.
In 1975, Sharon and Dr. Francis founded the Can Health Clinic, renamed to Medcan Health Management in 1987. Sharon was Dr. Francis’s business partner from the very beginning; she handled all nursing services at Medcan, was hardworking, a leader. They shared a vision and passion for what they did. In her profession, Sharon was well–respected and a pioneer in her time and as an active contributor to the development and operations of the Medcan Clinic.
Sharon was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2008. She lived at home where she was well cared for by her husband for 11 years before her passing on October 21, 2019.
She is remembered by her family, friends and colleagues as a very beautiful, kind, and loving person who gave much to all those who in some way or another were part of her life.
A Note from our Founder, Dr. Robert Francis
In the Fall of 2019, I lost my wife Sharon to Alzheimer’s disease. Over the twelve years from her diagnosis, I was devoted to her well-being, yet I watched her deteriorate; it was beyond my control. I wished then and I wish now I could have done something to stop that disease in its tracks.
I am driven to move the needle forward in Alzheimer's research, to seek breakthroughs and to ultimately find a cure for this cruel disease. Please join me on my mission to change the way we detect, manage and treat Alzheimer's disease.
My goal is to change the future for those facing a diagnosis of Alzheimer's and their loved ones.
I count on your support.
Thank you,
Dr. Robert W. Francis