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Ned Charlton Sacktor, MD

Ned Charlton Sacktor, MD

1963 - November 11th, 2020

Biography


The 57-year-old loving son of June and Bert, husband of Chrissie, father of Elizabeth and Laura, brother of Todd, brother-in-law of Bette, uncle to Rose and Clark, friend to many, and dedicated physician-scientist benefiting countless others, Ned Charlton Sacktor came to the end of his 16-month-long journey with Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma the evening of Remembrance Day, Wednesday, November 11, 2020.


This website has been created (by Ned's wife, Chrissie) to serve as a site where Ned's friends, family, colleagues, and other Nedophiles can share memories and condolences. Folks are encouraged also to share photos and videos.


A virtual memorial service will be held Tuesday, December 22nd at 11 am EST via Zoom.


Join Zoom Meeting
https://jhjhm.zoom.us/j/99146761768 
 
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Meeting ID: 991 4676 1768

Those wishing to make a charitable contribution in Ned's honor are encouraged to consider the following organizations: 


Gilchrist, 11311 McCormick Road., Suite 350 Hunt Valley, MD 21031.


Gilchrist is a not-for-profit organization that provides hospice and other care services for individuals and families experiencing serious illness. I cannot imagine how Ned would have managed to survive as well as he did for as long as he did without Gilchrist's family-centered, home-based services, and care management. Gilchrist's programs reinforce the notion that palliative care promotes living life to its fullest. You can learn more about Gilchrist here.


World Neurology Foundation (Attn: Dr. Becker), 704 Orchard Hill, Pittsford, VT, 05763. Website: www.worldneurology.com


Ned was a member of the Board of Directors since 2009, serving as President from 2014 to 2020. Through his work in Uganda, he recognized healthcare providers' profound needs for basic neurological assessment tools. In response, he supported the foundation’s Toolkits for Africa project. He also advocated for providing high-quality, no-cost, open-source neurology training materials for those in low-resource regions globally. The program started, thanks to Ned, with materials from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine and Harvard School of Medicine. The result is the foundation’s Neuroshare program. Any contributions made in Ned’s honor to the Foundation will be directed in full to advancing both of these projects.


American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) 


Although he wasn't a flag waiver or actively involved with politics, per se, Ned was dismayed by recent shifts in governmental leadership that threaten liberty and democracy. Voting in the 2020 Presidential election was among Ned's most important goals. He was profoundly relieved when Joe Biden and Kamala Harris announced their election win.


Friends of Acadia


Ned loved Acadia National Park (ANP). ANP was the site of Ned's first memory (picking blueberries as a pre-school-aged child) and the location where he proposed marriage and then wed Chrissie. Friends of Acadia preserve, protect, and promote stewardship of the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Acadia National Park and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of current and future generations. 

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Family

About

Name Ned Charlton Sacktor, MD
Date of Birth 1963
Date of Death November 11th, 2020
Home Town Baltimore, MD, US 
Interests Photography, Political Science, History, Classical Art, Travel, Geology, Paleontology, Nature, Fine Dining, Astronomy
Favourite Saying Couriser and couriser.
In Memoriam Donation American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU)
In Memoriam Donation Gilchrist
Family

Family

Significant OtherChristine Layton
SiblingsTodd Charlton Sacktor
ParentsBertram Sacktor, June Dale Charlton Sacktor
ChildrenElizabeth Layton Sacktor, Laura Layton Sacktor
View Family Tree
Milestone

Milestones

1969 - 1980 The Gilman School
1980 - 1984 Harvard College, BA
1984 - 1988 University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, MD
1992 Neurology Residency, Columbia University’s Neurological Institute of New York
1992 - 1994 Aaron Diamond Foundation Research Fellowship in Behavioral Neurology, Columbia University’s Neurological Institute of New York
1994 - 2020 Neurologist & Professor of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University's School of Medicine
1999 Marriage (to Chrissie)
2001 Elizabeth (daughter) born
2004 Laura (daughter) born

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Tributes



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Jill Kawahigashi published a tribute .

My heartfelt condolences to Ned's family. I am deeply saddened to learn of his passing but eternally grateful that our paths crossed. I never met Ned in person, yet I know first-hand that he was a kind and generous man. Ned was a friend of my late cousin, Cheryl Jay, who was also an HIV neurologist. When Ned learned of her passing in 2019, he reached out to me and shared that Cheryl had been a key mentor for him during their residency at Columbia. Over the years they had kept in touch. When Ned learned that I was working with ABF/AAN in establishing a memorial award for Cheryl, he immediately offered his assistance and was so helpful in providing insight into her career and communicating with her colleagues. He even organized a memorial dinner for Cheryl at the AAN 2019 conference (photo). I will forever be grateful for his empathy and support. May he rest in love.

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Paul Lee published a tribute .

I am so sorry to learn of Dr. Sacktor's passing. When I was a resident at Johns Hopkins, I had the good fortune of working with him and found him to be a quiet, inquisitive teacher whom I came to greatly respect. I still recall his bemused response when I realized he had graduated from Gilman the same year I entered first grade there (I was oblivious to how this might sound to him when I blurted it aloud.) He was always gracious and wonderful mentoring me as a resident. My sincere condolences to his loved ones and colleagues. He will be missed.

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Ken Rosenberg published a tribute .

In so many way, Ned was one of kind, in how fully he embraced life and how bravely he faced death. I know Ned through Todd as his best friend. I can say, with confidence, never have I seen brothers who were better to each other than Todd and Ned.

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Deneen And Chuck Esposito published a tribute .

Dear Chrissie, Elizabeth and Laura, I wanted to tell you all how sorry we are to hear about Ned’s passing. I worked for him at Hopkins for almost 20 years. Ned was always a kind, gentle and caring person. It was an honor to know him. He was so proud of all of you. He was a great man and he will truly be missed. With sincere condolences, Deneen and Chuck Esposito

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Karla Peterson published a tribute .

Our families have shared so many good times together, This was the last time we all gathered together: January 5th 2020. (Soon after, this kind of simple celebration became impossible due to COVID.) I had brought a persimmon pudding to share because I remembered Ned loved his mother's plum pudding. Because there is always a way to make it more of a celebration - the pudding was ceremoniously set a blaze before we ate it.

Goodbye dear friend, neighbor, fellow traveler on the road of parenthood, and amazing medical advisor when life got complicated. We will miss you, but also celebrate you whenever there is an excuse to party.

Love, Karla, David, Owen, and Perry

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Karla Peterson published a tribute .

The pinata was a hit (ha ha) the previous year, so it was reprised for Elizabeth's 7th birthday party. Note that the children are not as close this year, but June felt comfortable to be outside the house. I love how Ned and June are both taking pictures at once here. (It is my husband David and toddler Perry safely inside the house this year.)

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Karla Peterson published a tribute .

Lots to love about Elizabeth's 6th birthday party picture: A pinata! Ned sporting a still and video camera. Ned checking out Laura waving around a stick. (I believe that is the year I took it upon myself to move the crowd of kids back!) Ned's mom June taking it all in from the safety of inside the house. The boy with his back to the camera is my son Owen.

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Karla Peterson published a tribute .

Elizabeth's birthday is in the summer so there were always the summer touches like watermelon. But the ceremony of the cake was always an important part of a birthday parties for Ned. (This one is from her 5th birthday.)

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Karla Peterson published a tribute .

This picture is from Elizabeth's 4th birthday party. I love the crown and the Ned's mom in the background.

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Karla Peterson published a tribute .

Union Memorial new moms group introduced our families because are oldest kids were born only a few weeks apart. There have been lots of celebrations over the years, but always the birthdays. And Ned loved a party and all the details. Sharing a few pictures of Ned celebrating Elizabeth's birthday. This one is her 3rd birthday.

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Teresa Doksum published a tribute .

Dear Christine, Elizabeth and Laura, We were so sorry to hear about Ned. I wanted to share 2 fond memories of his quiet fearlessness, both associated with major milestones in my life. For my 30th birthday pictured here, I invited friends to ride this rollercoaster. Only Ned and Christine showed up. We'll never forget how Ned didn't scream on the rollercoaster, just an endearing smile. On our honeymoon in Yellowstone in 1998, Ned and Christine also vacationed nearby and tackled hiking Half Dome on the same day we did, despite Ned's fear of heights. The ladder climb at the end was crowded and extra dangerous that day. Every time we retell this honeymoon story to friends, we always highlight Ned's accomplishment. He inspired many of us in so many ways.

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Nancy Rawding Gralla published a tribute .

Dear Christine, I'm so sad to learn of your loss, and wish you and your family great support and comfort. It sounds that your husband created wonderful friendships and spirit, and love -- a light to all of us. Sending love ---

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Liz Whisnant published a comment .

Christine, I am a classmate of Ned’s from college and have clear memories of his character and generous spirit from across the dining hall table. I send healing thoughts your way.

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Grace Gorenflo published a tribute .

Dear Christine, I'm so very sorry for your loss. I wish I had met Ned - he sounds like an incredible and interesting man. I hope you find great joy in your fondest memories of him. Wishing you and your daughters a deep sense of peace.

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Jonathan published a tribute .

I’m so very sorry and sending my condolences. Though I never met him, I know he was an extraordinary man. May his memory be an eternal blessing.

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Michael J. Boivin published a tribute .

I only saw Ned every few years at professional meetings, but he was always very gracious to me. I appreciated his kind and courteous manner, in a professional field where so many can be aggressive and prideful (including me). But Ned stood apart, in that even though he was truly an outstanding physician/scientist in our field working so productively in Uganda in NIH-sponsored research, he was always gentle and humble. Even when I critiqued his work, he took it to heart and that taught me how to respond with grace and honor. He had a genuine concern towards me the one time I shared with him some personal struggles at a meeting in Baltimore many years ago. I know that he was a mentor and friend to many Ugandan colleagues and they respected him very much. He will truly be missed; I know that.

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Christine Layton published a tribute .

Visitors are encouraged to leave a tribute (memory, condolence, etc.).

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Jose Rivera published a comment .

Dear Christine:
Ned and I were classmates at Penn. I have very fond memories of him. We were lab partners in Neuroanatomy. He had a dry sense of humor. As I had done my undergrad at Hopkins, we would always rememorate about Baltimore. He sure loved Baltimore! Did enjoy many dinners with him on a student budget around Philly.
He was very bright, but also very down to earth and cheerful. We remained friends, but we lost touch as our career paths took us in different directions; him back to Baltimore through NY , me to Texas. I last saw him at our 20th reunion.
Ned and I were both cancer survivors, and we got to talk about our experiences. Unfortunately, he could not win this last battle , but knowing Ned, I know that he fought courageously and with grace.
Receive my deepest condolences. You and your daughters are in my thoughts and prayers. I will never forget Ned. He will continue to live in our hearts!
"Hamakom y'nachem etchem b'toch sh'ar availai tziyon ee yerushalayim."
God bless you! May God bless Ned!

Jose M. Rivera, MD Penn’ 88

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Edward Evantash published a comment .

Dear Christine:
When I heard of Ned's passing, I recalled the smile and sweet disposition of my classmate I regretfully haven't seen since graduation. I'm so sorry for your loss. May his memory be a blessing.
Edward Evantash, MD

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Heidi Johnston published a tribute .

I met Ned in the 1990s in the early days of Christine and Ned's dating, when Christine would graciously host me when I had grad school check-ins in Baltimore. I love remembering Ned's enthusiasm - and curiosity - and generosity - when he came over to Christine's apartment in those early days of their relationship, and for years afterwards. Ned and his spirit will be missed so very much. Much love to you, Christine, and to Elizabeth and Laura.

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Katy Peters published a tribute .

Dr. Sacktor was my mentor at Johns Hopkins when I was a resident and fellow. He was kind, patient, genuine, and smart. He showed me that research was team based and put me in places for opportunity. I echo Richard’s thoughts on Dr. Sacktor. He was inclusive to thoughts, people, and ideas. My husband Andrew and I send our love and thoughts to Christine and the girls.

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Richard Skolasky published a tribute .

Having met Ned when he came to Johns Hopkins, I have had the pleasure of being his colleague for more than two decades. Wow, that is strange to put in to writing! While we shared a research interest, our most delightful conversations centered around our daughters who were of similar age. I remember seeing his face light up when he spoke of the many accomplishments of Elizabeth and Laura. I will always cherish his insight and steadiness as I struggled through my divorce.

As Ned battled his cancer, he was an inspiration of grace under pressure. I count myself as incredibly fortunate that he and Chrissie would stop by my office after his many outpatient visits to chat. To see the love that you both shared is a continuing inspiration!

I am so sad about the loss of my wonderful colleague and friend. My thoughts are with you, Elizabeth, and Laura.

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Catherine published a tribute .

I have a happy memory of seeing Ned, Christine, Elizabeth and Laura a few years ago. My family and I had travelled to New Hampshire and Maine for vacation. I posted on Facebook, and found out that Ned, Christine and family were also in Maine (when Christine reached out). We toured a very fancy house in Bar Harbor and also had a delicious lobster dinner, at a place we never would have known about otherwise. It's a happy memory: being on beautiful Mt. Desert Island, and then the surprise of getting to see long-time friends. I'm glad that we have that shared memory. I was delighted to read about Ned's many trips to Maine this past year (described by Christine on Caring Bridge). We're sad about the loss of our friend and we are thinking of you and your daughters, Christine.

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Diana Lem Chung published a tribute .

Just a fun photo of Ned with Vivian and Ken from our med school days.

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Diana Lem Chung published a tribute .

I think this was right after medical school graduation in 1988 at Ken and Anna Maria Genova's wedding.

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Amy Rice published a tribute .

Ned meeting Carter for the first time (June 2011).

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Dale R Fink published a tribute .

Ned was a good Dr., I appreciated his honest appraisal of the (dismal) state of research on Motor Neuron Diseases (MND). He encouraged me to dig into the research myself if I wanted to survive, that was good advice. I am glad that folks who knew him well outside of the Dr./(frequently terminal) Patient relationship found him so joyous, that all makes sense. It is sad to know he is gone so soon when the world needs that more than ever.

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Steven Lindsey Saunders, Md,mba, Facp published a tribute .

I have always been so proud to call Ned Sacktor a friend and to know how privileged I was to have known him all these years. We all know how special he was. He overcame illness as a young man and persevered beyond. In addition to all his contributions to medical knowledge, disease, neurology and AIDS, Ned built an amazing family having married Chrissie and raised two beautiful and smart daughters while remaining a special and dear friend to so many.
Experiences with Ned were always adventures centered about travel, food and nature. Lobsters, berries, dinosaurs and fossils were a few of Ned‘s favorite things! Picking blueberries in Acadia National Park with Ned after having explored a hidden cave filled with sea anemones is just one small highlight. Having shared wonderful and momentous occasions of family and life including graduations, weddings, bar mitzvahs and bat mitzvahs are priceless in and of themselves. No one but Ned would manage to make as many trips up to Maine and spend quality time at the cabin with family over a year into the deadly illness which ultimately took his life. Ned lived life for every minute he was awake and made every minute so infinitely valuable. In his years of life Ned has accomplished so much, more than most ever do, and touched so many lives. An amazingly full and rich life cut tragically short.
Ned sets the bar high for all of us. So few can ever match the energy, drive and motivation which Ned had in his zest for life and living. An amazing example to all of us at all times. But most of all I am touched by words in one of my most recent telephone conversations with Ned in the past few weeks. I truly forget what the reference was towards, but I used a statement which I have used many times before: “It is what it is!” Silence followed that remark and Ned very carefully corrected me and said “Steve, don’t ever say that!” I understood immediately what he meant. It’s not what it is, it’s what you make of it and what each and every one of us chooses to do! That is the defining essence of Ned as a person. Since that conversation I have found myself all too many times about to make that same comment and then I stop realize that there is more to life than what happens to us but rather what we do with it. Ned, thank you for reminding me of how important and special that truth in life really is. You lived as an example to us all and have enriched our lives beyond measure!
Love to all.
I will always love you Ned.

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Steven Saunders published a comment .

"Curiouser and curiouser" from Lewis Carroll? Ned always created a world of wonder and imagination all around him.

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Michelle S Saunders published a tribute .

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Christine Layton published a comment .

This photo shows Ned's family's cabin shortly after it was constructed in 198???

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Michelle Saunders published a comment .

This photo was taken in 1992.

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Michelle S Saunders published a tribute .

Dear Chrissie, Elizabeth, Laura, Todd, Bette, Rose & Clark:
Ned and I met in the summer of 1989 when I began dating Steven (his classmate from Penn Med) when we were all living in NYC. The guys were in residency programs & I was in graduate school.
I have so many wonderful memories of afternoons out and dinners we spent with Ned.
In the summer of 1992 following my wedding and that of another dear friend from medical school, we travelled to Maine and spent some time at Ned’s family cabin “The Sea Cucumber.” Time was spent exploring Acadia, Mount Desert Island, picking blueberries, searching for sea anemones, watching sunsets from Cadillac Mountain, dinner at lobster pounds, finding bargains at LL Bean and viewing the stars at night. This was a true bonding time of us.
Ned fought a hard-won battle with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma in the early 90’s and I remember happily celebrating his 30th birthday with family and friends in his apartment with a homemade raspberry ice cream cake.
We connected over food, nature, Maine, psychology & neurology, dinosaurs and a love of family & friends.
Visits became less frequent when Ned moved back to Baltimore, but we always stayed in touch and celebrated milestones together.
One of my fondest memories was of Ned & Chrissie’s wedding in the winter of 1999 at The Jordan Pond House in Maine. A truly joyous occasion conducted by cool a rabbi from Bangor. Under a chuppah composed of LL Bean blankets (maybe Land’s End) held up by tree branches. Rustic and classic. Chrissie’s dogs leading the way down the aisle.... Of course there was lobster bisque & popovers and strawberry jam. So sad that we will never be able to share our Maine experiences together again.
I will miss you and your zest for life dear Ned.
Michelle

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Christine Layton published a comment .

Thanks for sharing. I especially appreciate the perspectives of folks who knew Ned "BC" (before Chrissie).

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Michelle S Saunders published a tribute .

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Michelle S Saunders published a tribute .

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Michelle S Saunders published a tribute .

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Michelle S Saunders published a tribute .

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Michelle S Saunders published a tribute .

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Michelle S Saunders published a tribute .

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Michelle S Saunders published a tribute .

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