Barrow Women’s Board Raises $9.9 Million Through 2024 Barrow Grand Ball

Barrow Women’s Board 59th Barrow Grand Ball Raises Record Funding for Innovations in Hearing Health

The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation announced today that it raised $9.9 million for Barrow Neurological Institute through the 59th Barrow Grand Ball on January 20, 2024.

This year’s Ball Co-Chairs, Carrie Hulburd and Kathy Munson, along with the committed members of the Women’s Board and its donors, raised funds to help Barrow physicians, researchers, and clinicians offer hope through research and treatments that save lives and improve the quality of life.

“The Barrow Women’s Board is the benchmark for philanthropy in the Valley and continues to provide the necessary funding for the innovation that Barrow Neurological Institute is known for. Our Foundation is so fortunate to have a group of such dedicated and passionate women who, through their tireless work, exceed expectations year after year and inspire all of us to excellence in the art of philanthropy.”

Katie Cobb, President of Barrow Neurological Foundation

A majority of Barrow Grand Ball funds support research in critical areas, including stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, neuro-rehabilitation, concussion, neuromodulation, neuroimaging, headache, brain tumors, spinal disorders, and much more.

“Our Board is an accomplished, dynamic, and influential group of women dedicated to supporting Barrow Neurological Institute. Our members’ advocacy for innovative research and treatment helps save lives and improves the quality of life for those suffering from serious neurological disorders,” said Jan Lewis, 2023-24 Women’s Board Chairman.

A tradition since 2006, the Women’s Board annually selects a specific Barrow research department to receive special funding, designating it as their “Women’s Board Project.” Each “Women’s Board Project” shines a spotlight on innovative research that can have a measurable impact on Barrow patients’ lives. This year, the Women’s Board selected the Barrow Department of ENT (ear, nose, and throat) and Skull Base Surgery: Hearing Health Science Program, led by Shawn Stevens, MD, FACS, to receive more than $766,000 in special funding. In addition to performing more surgical procedures than any other hearing implant program in Arizona, Dr. Stevens also is overseeing the construction of a state-of-the-art anechoic research chamber, which will be used to lead investigations into the link between hearing loss and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and other cognitive disorders.

“The generous philanthropy of the Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation through the Barrow Grand Ball drives cutting-edge innovation and research that is critical to advancing our mission of saving lives,” said Michael T. Lawton, MD, President and CEO of Barrow Neurological Institute. “The continued support of this group and its donors reflects their belief in the work that we do and their understanding of the value of funding research that impacts patients worldwide.”