PHOENIX, Ariz.– July 9, 2026 – Barrow Neurological Foundation is proud to announce it has raised an incredible $438,000 from generous donors to support the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute. This significant achievement was the culmination of a month-long fundraising and awareness
campaign throughout May, designated as Brain Tumor Awareness Month.
The campaign, executed in collaboration with generous community partners and donors, highlighted the urgent need to advance brain cancer research at the Ivy Center. With over 250,000 new cases annually and a 5-year survival rate of less than 5%, glioblastoma is simultaneously the most common and lethal brain cancer in adults. Unfortunately, no new drugs have been identified in over 25 years, and conventional clinical trials still require years to determine efficacy. The Ivy Center, led by Dr. Nader Sanai, was founded with a singular goal: to discover new treatments for glioblastoma and other incurable brain
tumors.
“We are astounded by the generosity and support of our philanthropic community during Brain Tumor Awareness Month. This incredible amount of funding will directly accelerate the Ivy Brain Tumor Center’s groundbreaking Phase 0 clinical trials program, offering hope and tangible progress to patients facing this devastating disease,” said Michele S. Gregory, MS, President of Barrow Neurological Foundation.
A cornerstone of this campaign was the Foundation’s partnership with Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers. Throughout May, $1 from the sale of each featured weekly burger, Chef’s Julep Cocktail, and 22oz Michelob Ultra draft at each of their 16 Arizona locations was donated to support research at the Ivy Center. The impact of this significant contribution was further amplified by matching funds from Hensley Beverage Company.
“The support from Cold Beers & Cheeseburgers during Brain Tumor Awareness Month exemplifies the power of community collaboration. Its commitment to giving back and raising awareness for brain cancer research has been instrumental to this campaign’s success, and Hensley is honored to match their contribution,” said Andy McCain, President & CEO of Hensley Beverage Company and Barrow Neurological Foundation Board Trustee.
The campaign extended all the way to the baseball field. On May 18, the Arizona Diamondbacks hosted a special Brain Tumor Awareness Day game at Chase Field. The Ivy Center was prominently recognized throughout the game, which included the honor of throwing out the first pitch, a dedicated “Go Gray for May” section, and a special check presentation from the Nicole Hazen Fund For Hope and the Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation, further bolstering the fundraising efforts.
“The Arizona Diamondbacks’ Brain Tumor Awareness Day was a powerful moment that not only raised significant funds but also brought vital awareness to a disease that impacts countless patients and their families,” said Amy Cohn, 2026–27 Women’s Board Chair and Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation Board of Directors member.
Additionally, Barrow Neurological Foundation played a crucial role in amplifying the campaign’s reach through comprehensive print, digital, social media, and earned media efforts. A highlight of the Foundation’s involvement was a generous matching gift commitment from The Rick Oehme Foundation, which doubled all donations up to $100,000, providing a powerful incentive for donors to contribute.
The funds raised during Brain Tumor Awareness Month will directly support transformative research at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center.
