When Thomas Lloyd, M.D., Ph.D., chair of Neurology, received a call in May 2025 to see a patient seeking a second opinion about the fatal neurological diagnosis of ALS, he was able to see him the following week. After reassuring the patient he did not have ALS and noticing subtle eye movement abnormalities, he knew to consult with Roy Lin, M.D., MPH, assistant professor of Neurology. Thanks to Dr. Lin’s expertise, the patient’s diagnosis was corrected to a treatable condition. Dr. Lin also quickly found and referred the patient to a clinical trial at another institution while managing the patient’s neurological care in Houston.
The efficiency, expertise and warmth with which Drs. Lloyd and Lin handled this patient’s care made a lasting impression. By September 2025, the patient’s physical symptoms were improving significantly. The patient and his wife repeatedly expressed deep gratitude for Dr. Lin’s care and interest in supporting his related research, while sharing details suggesting philanthropic readiness and giving capacity.
To help shape an opportunity for the patient to express his gratitude, Dr. Lloyd connected with the Office of Advancement and Alumni Affairs (OAAA) through Isabel Flame, director of Engagement and Outreach. Along with a designated development officer, the group formed a strategy to engage the couple. Given their unique personal situation, the couple was highly motivated to make a gift quickly, if the opportunity was right, which necessitated a careful and thoughtful strategy.
Outlined below is this grateful patient’s journey from gratitude to gift:
Dr. Lloyd is contacted about a patient seeking a second opinion for ALS and sees the patient and performs EMG within the next week. Dr. Lloyd’s history, exam, and EMG excludes the diagnosis, but instead the abnormal eye movements on exam suggest a diagnosis of ataxia, and therefore refers him to Dr. Lin.
Dr. Lin corrects the patient’s diagnosis, commences his neurological care and refers him to clinical trials, establishing immediate trust and rapport with the patient.
The patient continues his care with Dr. Lin.
Dr. Lloyd contacts OAAA’s Ms. Flame. After meeting with the patient and his wife, she learns they are moving all their care to Baylor. Dr. Lloyd invites the couple to attend OAAA’s On The Frontline 125th Anniversary luncheon.
The couple attends and enjoys On The Frontline. While visiting with Dr. and Mrs. Lloyd, Ms. Flame and an assigned OAAA Development Officer (DO), the couple expresses a strong interest in supporting Dr. Lin’s research.
During a meeting with Drs. Lloyd and Lin and the assigned DO, the couple requests a funding proposal by EOY 2025.
The DO sends the proposal, and the couple gives $2 million.
The couple is instrumental in recruiting other family members to transition their care to Baylor, including joining the Concierge Healthcare program.
As the patient continues his care at Baylor, OAAA is working to deepen the relationship with the couple as they explore additional ways to support Baylor’s mission.
