Where Hope Lives
Inspiring stories of compassion, innovation, and transformation at Barrow Neurological Institute made possible by philanthropy.
Your Impact In Action
View real stories of how Barrow Neurological Foundation creates a lasting impact for patients and families.
Narratives of Help and Healing
Hear from the brave patients who have found hope and healing at Barrow while battling the most debilitating neurological conditions.
“It gave me hope knowing that they were willing to try anything and reached out to all their networks local and abroad to find a solution.”
-Kara May
Mother of grateful patient, Brielle May. Neurocritical Care
“My team at Barrow has never given up on me; I am better thanks to their care, and that means absolutely everything to me. Without them, I wouldn’t be who I am or where I am today. For that, I am incredibly grateful.”
-Alison Coombs
Grateful patient at the Lewis Headache Center
“The things my mom is doing for this trial have not only paid substantial dividends for her health but are also paving the way for someone else to have an easier journey. It feels good knowing that we are playing a part in the long-term fight against this disease, and we are grateful to Barrow for giving us this opportunity.”
– Ivan Jones, caretaker
Courageous Hearts
Life-Changers
Share Your Story
Every experience at Barrow is unique and powerful. Whether you’re a patient, family member, or donor, we invite you to share your story and inspire others on their journey.
Last month, the Grants Committee of Barrow Neurological Foundation held its inaugural Research Symposium, featuring an interactive panel discussion moderated by Chief Scientific Officer Robert Bowser, PhD, and Chair of Neurology Brad Racette, MD, FAAN. Our panelists—Andrew Yang, MD, MS; Ashley Stokes, PhD; David Medina, PhD; and Ruchira Jha, MD, MSc—shared how Foundation grants helped them launch their research programs and pursue novel ideas that traditional funding can’t support.
Learn more about their work:
“Having a Foundation that supports internal grants that provide seed and start-up funding is crucial to moving ideas forward and generating data to get larger external grants as rapidly as possible. These grants are a cornerstone of success for research at Barrow.”
-Robert Bowser, PhD
Repost @theivybraintumorcenter // Thank you to the Arizona @dbacks for another unforgettable Brain Tumor Awareness Night at Chase Field and for their generous gift to the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at @barrowneuro. We`re deeply grateful to the Dbacks, the Nicole Hazen Fund for Hope, and the Women`s Board of @supportbarrow for their combined donation of $200,000 to advance brain tumor research at the Ivy Center.
The evening was also about honoring the brain tumor community, like patients Tim Soukup and Joshua Zahn—both of whom were treated for brain tumors by Ivy Center Director Nader Sanai, MD. Tim threw out the ceremonial first pitch, while Josh and his family joined in holding signs to spell out the Ivy Center`s mission of "Discovering Tomorrow`s Treatments Today."
We`d also like to thank everyone who showed up to join our "gray-out" section, reminding the public to "Go Gray for May" in honor of brain tumor awareness.
Together, we`re covering all the bases to find new treatments for even the toughest brain tumors.
May is #StrokeAwarenessMonth! This past spring, Barrow Neurological Institute joined the United Stroke Alliance`s #StrikeOutStroke initiative to raise awareness for stroke.⚾ The Barrow team attended Cactus League Spring Training games to share stroke prevention, demonstrated neuro-robotic technology used in stroke rehabilitation, and even brought out it`s donor-funded mobile stroke unit! In addition, Barrow patients and stroke survivors were invited to throw out the ceremonial first pitch - highlighting their remarkable journey to recovery.
We are grateful for philanthropic support of the Petznick Stroke Center. To learn more about the impact of your support of the Center, click the link in our bio! ⬆️ https://bar.rw/4v09DAG
The Rick Oehme Foundation is matching donations to the Ivy Brain Tumor Center up to $100,000 this May in honor of #BrainTumorAwarenessMonth! 💚 Your support fuels critical research and offers hope to those battling brain cancer. Donate today, and your gift will go twice as far. Link in bio! ⬆️ https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/donation-pages/btam-fb.
"Together, we can continue Rick`s mission and work towards a future that`s free from the grip of this devastating disease.` - Cynthia Oehme.
Rick Oehme was a devoted father, loving husband, and a loyal friend who passed away in 2012 after bravely facing #glioblastoma. Before he passed, Rick and his family founded The Rick Oehme Foundation to help advance #braintumorresearch. Their work supports families impacted by brain cancer and brings us closer to a cure.
In honor of #BrainTumorAwarenessMonth, The Rick Oehme Foundation is matching donations made to the Ivy Brain Tumor Center up to $100,000. Give today, and your gift will go twice as far. Link in bio. ⬆️
Thank you to the Rick Oehme Foundation for their generosity & dedication in advancing brain tumor research.
Wishing a very happy #NeuroscienceNursesWeek to our dedicated team! 🩺 We`re thrilled to highlight that several of our neuroscience nurses recently represented #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute at the 2026 Neuroscience Nursing Annual Conference in Dallas, Texas.
This annual conference showcases groundbreaking research and inspiring new ideas that inform clinical decision-making and contribute to evidence-based patient care. Our nurses’ attendance was made possible through the incredible support of the Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation, advancing #neuroscience nursing education.
“Due to the generosity of donors and staff directed donations, the Barrow nursing staff is able to participate in a wide array of educational opportunities...this fund made it possible for staff to continue the pursuit of additional education and professional representation nationally.” - Virginia Prendergast, PhD, NP-C, FAAN, CNRN, Director Advanced Practice Nursing.
Thank you to our nurses!! 💙
Monday, May 18th, is Brain Tumor Awareness Night at @ChaseField! ⚾ This event honors Nicole Hazen, late wife of D-backs general manager Mike Hazen, and her courageous battle with glioblastoma. The Ivy Brain Tumor Center will take part in a special on-field presentation, throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and be recognized throughout the game. We hope you will join us!
🎟️ Get tickets at the link in our bio! https://bar.rw/3PsM6t2
Thank you to the Arizona Diamondbacks for their incredible support and partnership!
📺Make sure you tune in to @arizonasfamily this Monday! This May, we recognize #BrainTumorAwarenessMonth. Watch our segment Monday from 10-11 a.m. to learn more about the work being done at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, and how you can support the brain tumor community! 🧠
Today, we highlight one of our incredible partners - the Arizona Cardinals Foundation - for their commitment to Arizona`s special needs community. ❤️
Earlier this year, the Arizona Cardinals Foundation hosted the inaugural Arizona Cardinals Climb, a community effort that raised over $2 million.
A portion of this funding is dedicated to providing Barrow Neurological Institute with the resources to create a comprehensive neurological care platform, improving lifelong health outcomes for individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDDs) aged 16 and older.
Thank you to the Arizona Cardinals Foundation and every donor and participant for helping us build a brighter future for the 6.5 million Americans living with IDDs!
#AutismAcceptanceMonth
☀️ As the temperatures begin to heat up, keep these new research findings in mind...
Donor-funded research from Barrow Neurological Foundation reveals a critical link between #climate and #neurological health. George Karway, PhD, found in his recent study focusing on Alzheimer`s disease and related dementia (ADRD), that hot temperatures significantly increase ADRD hospitalization risk for US Medicare beneficiaries, especially adults 81+ and those in the Southern US. Dr. Karaway`s work was selected as an abstract presentation at the American Academy of Neurology Annual Conference, highlighting the need for climate adaptation in care.
➡️ To learn more about your impact on neuroscience research at Barrow, click at link in our bio! https://bar.rw/4u871Aa
Your generosity is driving breakthroughs for Parkinson`s patients.🙌 Here`s what`s new:
Thanks to Barrow donors, the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute has expanded its research into underlying disease mechanisms and developing treatments with fewer side effects. Holly Shill, MD, FAAN, is evaluating a new medication for reducing motor fluctuations—a symptom that significantly impacts quality of life as the disease progresses.
Every donation accelerates science and offers new hope. Thank you for fueling this critical work. Get involved today at the link in our bio! ⬆️ https://bar.rw/4cpmGp2
#TBT - In honor of #ParkinsonsAwarenessMonth, we remember a truly full-circle moment last year at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, celebrating Bill Daggett`s incredible journey! We`ll never forget the proud moment when Bill placed his own juniper wood sculpture directly beneath "The Champ`s" items displayed!
When Bill`s #ParkinsonsDisease progressed, he lost the ability to create his beloved wood sculptures—a true passion of his. However, thanks to the expertise and unwavering dedication of his Barrow team, he not only regained his artistic talent but also reclaimed his life.
Bill`s story is a powerful testament to the impact of the expert patient care provided at Barrow, demonstrating how support from donors like you makes these remarkable outcomes possible. Read his story at the link in our bio! ⬆️ https://bar.rw/3QgRAHl
Share Your Story
Whether you’re a current of former patient, family member, staff member, or generous donor, we want to hear how Barrow has impacted your life. Your story will help inspire, education and provide hope to all.
