Brian Grant Speaking Fee: $10,000 to $20,000

Brian Grant is a former NBA player who has transformed his life from professional basketball to becoming a leading advocate for those living with Parkinson’s disease. Known for his tenacious rebounding and gritty playstyle, Grant played for five NBA teams over 12 seasons, including the Sacramento Kings, Portland Trail Blazers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns. His dedication to community service earned him the J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1999, recognizing his outstanding service and dedication to the community. In 2008, at the age of 36, Grant was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. Initially devastated, he found inspiration in the words of Michael J. Fox, who encouraged him to use his platform to raise awareness. This led to the founding of the Brian Grant Foundation in 2010, aiming to help individuals with Parkinson’s lead active and fulfilling lives through exercise, nutrition, and emotional health support. Grant's foundation offers various programs, including exercise classes and wellness retreats, to empower the Parkinson’s community. He has also partnered with organizations like the World Parkinson Coalition on initiatives such as the Parkinson Power Through Project, encouraging physical activity among those affected by the disease. Through his efforts, Grant has become a sought-after keynote speaker, sharing his journey and inspiring others to live well despite the challenges of Parkinson’s. In addition to his advocacy work, Grant is the author of the memoir Rebound: Soaring in the NBA, Battling Parkinson’s, and Finding What Really Matters, co-written with Ric Bucher. The book chronicles his basketball career, diagnosis, and the lessons learned along the way. Now residing in Portland, Oregon, Grant continues to inspire as a father of eight, a community ambassador, and a testament to resilience and hope.