Made possible through a grant from the Arizona Cardinals Foundation, Barrow Neurological Institute has established a transitional care platform for young individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs).
The Cardinal Foundation’s generous funding marks the first of a three-year commitment to support collaborative programs that promote inclusion and create equal opportunities for those with IDDs. For Barrow, this investment will help address a critical gap in care: the transition from pediatric to adult healthcare.
An Integrative Care Approach
For many individuals with IDDs, transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare can mean navigating fragmented systems and new providers at an already crucial time in life. The new Barrow IDD Care Platform aims to create a more consistent and connected experience, helping individuals and their families access comprehensive, person-centered neurological care as they move into adulthood.
Through this platform, patients will receive personalized education and tools to better understand their condition, advocate for themselves, and manage their healthcare as independently as possible. Additionally, it aims to provide everyone involved in the patient’s care network—including their families, care partners, and providers—with significant support in developing a successful healthcare plan.
Brad A. Racette, MD, FAAN, Kemper and Ethel Marley Chair of Neurology and Senior Vice President of Barrow Neurological Institute, emphasized that “this integrated approach, with consistent information and support, will foster greater patient engagement and empowerment, helping them to become confident, independent, and healthy.”
The Arizona Cardinals Foundation’s generous grant provided the initial investment needed to establish this vital care platform, creating an opportunity for lasting impact across the IDD community.
Turning Generosity Into Impact
The Arizona Cardinals Foundation’s grant to establish the Barrow IDD Care Platform is a powerful example of how philanthropy can create lasting impact. It is an investment not only in a new program, but in the patients, families, and care partners who will benefit from a more coordinated approach to neurological care for years to come.
As Michele Gregory, President of Barrow Neurological Foundation, noted, “The endorsement from the Arizona Cardinals Foundation sends a powerful message about the value and potential impact of this program. As more members of our community learn about the unique attributes and benefits of the Barrow IDD Program, we anticipate seeing even greater interest in supporting this initiative.”
A New Chapter in Charitable Giving
The Arizona Cardinals have a long history of supporting non-profit organizations throughout the community. In 2025, the team took its charitable giving to the next level, launching the Arizona Cardinals Foundation. This new foundation focuses specifically on supporting families and individuals living with an IDD, including autism, Down syndrome, traumatic brain injury, and cerebral palsy.
As part of its launch, the Arizona Cardinals Foundation announced four cornerstone beneficiaries, each of which will receive a three-year commitment to fund programs that expand services, promote inclusion, and create equal opportunities for those living with IDDs. By bringing these cornerstone beneficiaries together—Barrow Neurological Foundation, Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, Special Olympics Arizona, and Treasure House—the Arizona Cardinals Foundation aims to lead the way in fostering long-term, community-wide change.
This impactful initiative resonates deeply with the Arizona Cardinals organization. Bob Hamer, Executive Director of the Arizona Cardinals Foundation, highlighted the pressing need: “It’s estimated that 1 in 20 people in the U.S. lives with an IDD. As this community grows and ages, more support will be needed–we’re committed to making a lasting, sustainable impact for the IDD community throughout Arizona.”
Uniting the Community for Change
In February 2026, the Arizona Cardinals Foundation held its marquee fundraising event, the Cardinals Climb, transforming State Farm Stadium into a trail-inspired adventure to “Hike for Special Needs.” More than just a climb, this uplifting event championed inclusion, elevated care, and meaningful impact for individuals and families living with IDDs.
As a cornerstone beneficiary, Barrow Neurological Foundation teamed up with Barrow Neurological Institute and St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center to expand outreach and participation for the climb. The unwavering support from our leadership, employee teams, families, and patients, including those with IDDs, was truly inspiring.
Through community outreach efforts, the Cardinals Climb raised more than $2 million from over 3,500 participants and 8,000 donations to support programs such as the Barrow IDD Care Platform that directly improve lives across Arizona.
And the work is just beginning. With philanthropic partners like the Arizona Cardinals Foundation, Barrow can continue transforming innovative ideas into programs that change lives.
