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Barrow to introduce leading migraine treatment program with $2 million gift from T.W. Lewis Foundation
Jan and Tom Lewis gift $2 million and announce “Migraine Match” – $500,000 matching gift program
With approximately 37 million people suffering from migraines in North America, the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program at Barrow Neurological Institute is set to make a difference in the lives of those affected.
The T.W. Lewis Foundation, founded by Tom and Jan Lewis, recently gifted $2 million in order to establish the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program, which will offer multidisciplinary patient care options and lead research and clinical trials to improve treatments and find cures. Jan, a migraine sufferer, receives treatment from Kerry Knievel, DO, at Barrow Neurological Institute. Dr. Knievel has treated migraine patients at Barrow Neurological Institute since 2012. Thanks to her comprehensive approach to migraine prevention and treatment—including medication, Botox injections, infusions and migraine trigger identification—Jan is now able to wake up in the morning without incapacitating pain; she’s able to travel and play with her grandkids.
A team of neurologists and scientists, led by Dr. Knievel, is in the preliminary stages of collecting data that is crucial in developing the future tests, research and grant applications that are necessary to grow and develop a world-class program.
“T. W. Lewis Foundation is all about partnering with outstanding organizations that are trying to improve and pushing the boundaries of their field,” says Tom Lewis. “And, we believe in supporting projects that are going to make a real difference. That’s exactly what Barrow does, and what this migraine program will do for many future migraine patients in Arizona.”
The Lewis family’s transformational gift of $2 million also comes with a pledge to match donations to the program’s research, dollar for dollar, up to $500,000. Support is needed to ensure that Barrow Neurological Institute can make progress in discovering the causes and advancing detection and treatment options for the millions of people living with the pain and discomfort.
The gift and match for the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program supports the T.W. Lewis Foundation’s commitment to improving the quality of life for others by helping people and organizations reach their potential.
When the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program is fully established, Dr. Knievel and her team will increase the number of patients they care for annually by 20 percent.
“On behalf of the entire Barrow team and all of the patients that will now be able to receive migraine care, thank you to Jan and Tom for their transformational gift,” says Katie Cobb, president of Barrow Neurological Foundation. “Because of the development of the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program, Barrow will be able to provide migraine relief to more people and conduct research into the cause, treatment and cure of migraines.”
About the T.W. Lewis Foundation
Formed in 2000 by Tom and Jan Lewis, the T.W. Lewis Foundation has provided college scholarships to over 200 future leaders, made gifts to dozens of non-profits that help children and families in need, and supported youth education organizations that build character and encourage civic engagement. They have also provided leadership and financial support for a wide variety of community based organizations.
About Barrow Neurological Foundation
Barrow Neurological Foundation raises awareness and funding for patient care, medical education and research offered at Barrow Neurological Institute. Barrow is an internationally-recognized leader in neurology, neurosurgery and neuroscience research, treating patients with a wide range of conditions, including brain and spinal tumors, concussion and brain and spinal traumas, neuromuscular diseases, stroke, cleft and craniofacial disorders, and cerebrovascular disorders.