By Jennifer Watson, PhD, CCC-SLP, TSHF Fund Development Chair

As we honor Presidents Washington and Lincoln in the month of February, it is important to remember that it does not take a president to make a difference in the lives of children and adults with communication and related disorders. The Presidents’ Research Fund, established in 1994 by 10 past TSHA presidents, requires the support of all of us to promote research to expand the knowledge base of the professions and to improve the services delivered to children and adults with speech, language, and hearing disorders. 

Donating to the Presidents’ Research Fund is a click away. Go to https://tshfoundation.salsalabs.org/oceansmultistepeoy/index.html, and scroll down to TSHA Past Presidents’ Research Fund to make a difference. 

Presidents Washington and Lincoln believed in making a difference. They were committed to discovery that enhanced our understanding and to recognizing our responsibility to the greater good. 

Discovery To Enhance Understanding
I know nothing so pleasant to the mind, as the discovery of anything which is at once new and valuable—nothing which so lightens and sweetens the toil, as the hopeful pursuit of such discovery (Lincoln, 9/30/1859¹).

Truth will ultimately prevail where pains is taken to bring it to light (Washington, 08/10/1794²).

The researchers who have received support from the Foundation’s Presidents Research Fund have discovered “truths that enlighten.” These speech-language pathology and audiology visionaries represent more than 10 institutions and include university faculty, students, and clinical researchers. Investigations have involved children and adults with a wide range of communication disorders.

Responsibility to the Greater Good: A Call to Action 
I hold that while man exists, it is his duty to improve not only his own condition, but to assist in ameliorating mankind; and therefore … I am for those means which will give the greatest good to the greatest number. (Lincoln, 02/12/1861¹) 

Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone, and let your hand give in proportion to your purse (Washington in Fleming, 1967³). 

By donating to the Presidents’ Research Fund, you are investing in the futures of not only the individual researchers but the communities they support through their studies. Increased knowledge leads to improved services and, ultimately, enhanced quality of the lives of children, adults, and their families. Today, successful completion of timely projects requires more funding. As these costs increase, so does the need for donations. 

Consider donating now to the Foundations Presidents’ Research Fund, heeding Lincoln’s reminders of “Don’t say ‘if I can;’ say ‘I will’ (09/06/1858¹)” and “Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today (07/01/1858¹).”

To donate, go to https://tshfoundation.salsalabs.org/oceansmultistepeoy/index.html, and scroll down to TSHA Past Presidents’ Research Fund. When making your donation, you may honor a colleague or friend or remember someone who is no longer with us, a wonderful way to acknowledge the meaningfulness of that person in your life.

If you are interested in applying for support from TSHF’s Presidents’ Research Fund in 2023, please click here. 

Footnotes 

1. https://presidentlincoln.illinois.gov/lincoln-quotes/
2. https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/quotes/article/truth-will-ultimately-prevail-where-pains-is-taken-to-bring-it-to-light/
3. Fleming, T.J. (1967). Affectionately Yours, George Washington: A Self-portrait in Letters of Friendship, New York: Norton.