Barrow Neurological Foundation is proud to announce its selection as one of four cornerstone philanthropic partners by the Arizona Cardinals Foundation. This pivotal partnership, representing a shared commitment to community impact, will significantly advance Barrow’s efforts to provide comprehensive, integrated neurological care for adolescents and young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). Recently, we joined Arizona’s Family to highlight this partnership. Watch the segment here.
Barrow Neurological Foundation on AZ Family
“We are honored to be recognized as one of the cornerstone philanthropic pillars of the Arizona Cardinals Foundation. Their commitment to community impact is legendary, and for Barrow Neurological Foundation, this partnership represents a powerful alignment of values,” said Michele S. Gregory, MS, Chief Philanthropy Officer of Barrow Neurological Institute and President of Barrow Neurological Foundation. “Together, we are ensuring that patients and families facing neurological challenges receive the resources, care, and compassion they deserve.”
The Arizona Cardinals Foundation’s substantial grant will directly fund the establishment of a specialized neurological care program at Barrow Neurological Institute. This program is designed to address a critical gap in the healthcare system: the often-fragmented transition from pediatric to adult care for young people with IDD, including conditions such as cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, autism, and related neurologic disorders.
“Transitioning from pediatric to adult healthcare is one of the most vulnerable times for young people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Families often face fragmented care, overwhelming challenges, and gaps in support. This grant gives us the opportunity to create a dedicated, centralized platform that ensures continuity of care, support for families, and better long-term outcomes.” – Michele S. Gregory, MS
The new program will establish a multidisciplinary team comprising a medical director, care coordinator, social worker, genetic counselor, neuropsychiatrist, neuropsychologist, and neurorehabilitation specialists. This integrated approach will deliver seamless, individualized care, ensuring patients receive guidance from a unified team throughout critical life transitions.
Brad A. Racette, MD, FAAN, Senior Vice President of Neurology and Kemper and Ethel Marley Chair for Neurology at Barrow Neurological Institute emphasized, “Our goal is to eliminate the fragmentation of care that often occurs when patients move from pediatric to adult healthcare systems.”
This program will make a profound difference for patients and their families including:
- Improved health outcomes
- Reduced caregiver burden
- Stronger connections to community resources
Families will receive consistent support, and patients will be empowered to become confident, independent, and healthy adults. This program is about more than medicine—it’s about dignity, empowerment, and lifelong well-being.
Barrow Neurological Institute, one of the busiest neurological centers in the country, is uniquely positioned to lead this initiative.
“While we already provide subspecialty care for many young adults transitioning from pediatric hospitals, this grant allows us to centralize and enhance that care,” explained Dr. Racette. “Our holistic, multidisciplinary approach, combining neurology, neurosurgery, neuropsychiatry, rehabilitation, and social support, addresses not just symptoms, but the full spectrum of patient and family needs.”
The Arizona Cardinals Foundation’s commitment underscores its deep roots in the community, particularly in serving families with special needs. By selecting Barrow Neurological Foundation alongside Treasure House, Special Olympics Arizona, and Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center (SAARC), the Cardinals have built a network of cornerstone partners addressing diverse yet critical areas of need, from supportive living and athletic empowerment to autism resources and advocacy.
“For Barrow, our unique position is to provide world-class neurological care and transition support for patients with complex medical needs, ensuring that underserved populations have access to the same level of excellence as anyone else. The Cardinals’ support is a catalyst, enabling us to build something we’ve long envisioned. Most importantly, their support sends a powerful message to families: you are not alone — you are part of a community committed to walking alongside you at every stage of life,” says Michele.
The long-term vision for this program extends to creating a national model of care, with future expansion to address neurodegenerative conditions that may develop later in life.
Barrow Neurological Foundation encourages community members to support this vital initiative. Participation in events like the Cardinals Climb has a direct impact on the community. Register for the Cardinals Climb – a marquee fundraising event for the Arizona Cardinals Foundation. This event is a movement to champion inclusion, elevate care, and create a lasting change in the community to support individuals with IDDs.
Thank you to the Arizona’s Cardinals Foundation for making a meaningful impact in our communities!