A Tribute to Sean M. Healey

Two years ago, Sean M. Healey became a part of the Mass General ALS family and an advocate for those with ALS.

We are saddened to share the news that Sean M. Healey, our treasured partner, patient and friend passed away peacefully May 26, 2020 with his loving family by his side.

Sean was diagnosed with ALS in May 2018. Within days of his diagnosis, Sean became a tireless advocate for individuals with ALS and their families and dedicated himself to accelerating the search for cures. A brilliant businessman, Sean approached the challenge of finding the cures with his amazing entrepreneurial energy. He contributed his business acumen and philanthropy to inspire the vision that became the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General. Together with the company he led as Chairman and CEO, Affiliated Managers Group, Inc. (AMG) and his many friends, he established the Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General, which officially opened in November 2018.

The Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS at Mass General is the result of his determination to make a difference, not for himself, but for others. Sean never saw this as just a battle against his own illness, but rather a fight to overcome all of ALS. He was a hero. When Sean reached out to his many business associates to support the Healey Center, they stepped in to help, not only because they respected his business savvy, but also because they admired and shared his personal integrity, generosity and deep love for family and friends.

Sean and I traveled the world together to expand our ALS community of researchers, patients, clinicians and advocates to every corner of the globe. We were always in step – in sync – on our shared passion for speed, excellence and global collaboration. Because of Sean, we are launching now the first platform trial initiative in ALS, an approach that will accelerate finding effective treatments for people with ALS. We are supporting new areas of research and attracting new investigators to the cause. His willingness to reach out is making these game-changing clinical trials possible, broadening access for people with ALS to treatments and fueling exciting new approaches and science investigations.

Healey Center Investigator Dr. Sabrina Paganoni recently shared a quote from MGH Emergency department physician Johnny Kim, MD that “A hero is someone who, in the face of great adversity, rises to the challenge for the service of others.” Sean was that hero for all of us at the Healey Center and for all people with ALS.

Sean’s spirit will always remain an integral part of our work at the Healey Center. Sean will continue to serve as our inspiration and his legacy will continue in our pursuit to find cures for ALS. I want to share with you a message Sean sent me a few weeks ago.

"I hope you know how much I cherish the memories of our time together. While it came at the end, and under difficult circumstances, establishing the Center and working with you in the fight against ALS was incredibly fulfilling and a highlight of my life. I am full of gratitude and appreciation for your support of me, and all others afflicted by this terrible disease. I will be with you in spirit and beside you when, as I know that you will, you finally find the cure."

Sean was an inspiration to all of us at the Healey Center. We are determined to realize his vision of cures for ALS. 

To a remarkable man and friend, with love,

Merit