Where Hope Lives
Inspiring stories of compassion, innovation, and transformation at Barrow Neurological Institute made possible by philanthropy.
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.
“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
This experience has changed my perspective on life in ways I never expected. It’s changed the career path I want to pursue, and it’s made me want to share my story to give others hope. I don’t think I would feel this way without the amazing doctors who cared for me.
-Brielle May
Grateful patient, Neurocritical Care
“I’m a warrior, and I refuse to lose.”
-Ann Rogers
Grateful patient, Ivy Brain Tumor Center
Interning at the same institution that saved my life felt like a full-circle moment. It gave me such a sense of purpose knowing that I was researching solutions and contributing to treatments for future patients with the same condition that I had.
– Gia Patel
Barrow Summer Undergraduate Internship Participant and grateful patient, Barrow Aneurysm & AVM Center
Thanks to Barrow, I’m still here, I’m still me, and I still have a lot to look forward to in life. I could not be more grateful for that opportunity.
– Terry Rice
Grateful patient, Petznick Stroke Center
I had tears rolling down my cheeks because I was so happy. I spent so much of my life being embarrassed by the tremor and trying to hide it. But thanks to Dr. Ponce and Barrow, I am finally free.
-Jimmy Walker, Valley Philanthropist
Grateful patient at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
Courageous Hearts
Life-Changers
Then vs. now... 40-year difference! Barrow President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MD, and former President and CEO Robert F. Spetzler, MD, are shown training a group of residents. Education has always been a cornerstone of Barrow Neurological Institute`s mission. With philanthropic support, its renowned physicians and scientists can provide education for all levels of learning - from high school and undergraduate students to fellows and international observers to colleagues at partner sites worldwide!
Alison Coombs was living independently, pursing a degree in art education — something she is deeply passionate about — and looking forward to the future. She never imagined she would experience a sudden #headache that would turn her world upside down, plunging her into years of pain and uncertainty. That was until she found the Lewis Headache Center at Barrow Neurological Institute.
Through her journey, Alison learned that treating headache requires a multidisciplinary approach. In combination with headache treatment, Alison concentrated on strengthening her mind-body connection and staying present with the Center`s Wellness Program, which led to something wonderful and unexpected. "I was able to feel my creative spark again, something I hadn`t been able to meaningfully engage with for a very long time," she says. Read her story of resilience at the link in our bio!
Your support helps make incredible success stories like this possible! 👏 June is #MigraineandHeadacheAwarenessMonth. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to the Lewis Headache Center at Barrow Neurological Institute to help the Center continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and their families!
Give today: https://giveto.supportbarrow.org/migraine-fb. Link in bio!
Last month, Barrow Neurological Institute hosted its annual Neuroscience Symposium!
Thank you to all who supported and attended this educational conference! Swipe to take a look at some of the highlights!
//Repost @barrowneuro //
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the 2025 Barrow #Neuroscience Symposium at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute in #Phoenix, #Arizona!
It has been our pleasure to organize this gathering of great minds for 48 years as part of our commitment to advancing the knowledge and practice of #medicine in neuroscience.
Here`s a glimpse into the week`s events.
We are pleased to announce that Michele S. Gregory has been selected to serve as the new President of Barrow Neurological Foundation! Michele is an accomplished advancement executive with three decades of experience in healthcare, academic medicine, and higher education philanthropy.
"I am deeply honored and excited to assume the role of President of Barrow Neurological Foundation and Chief Philanthropy Officer for Barrow Neurological Institute. This is an extraordinary opportunity to collaborate with a distinguished team dedicated to advancing the frontiers of neurological research, patient care, and education. I am profoundly grateful for the trust that the Institute leadership and Foundation board members have placed in me and look forward to guiding the Foundation as we continue to make a transformative and enduring impact." - Michele S. Gregory
Read the full announcement at the link in our bio!
👏 Here is some more great news from the Lewis Headache Center in honor of #migraine and #headache awareness month! Led by social worker Sadie Kaspala, LMSW, and clinical psychologist Jennifer Gray, PhD (pictured), the Lewis Headache Center introduced a new class, Empowered Relief, which focuses on reducing pain intensity, distress, and interference. We are so grateful for the philanthropic support of our donors, especially Jan and Tom Lewis, for making classes like this available for our patients!
Learn more about your impact at the Lewis Headache Center at Barrow Neurological Institute. Link in bio!
😀 Great reminder as we begin the weekend!
Thank you for your support!
In this video, Anna D. Burke, MD, shares what inspires her to continue her work in Alzheimer`s research and patient care. You don`t want to miss her heartwarming message! 😊
☀️ Today is the longest day of the year. In addition to it being the #SummerSolstice, it is also a day we come together to shine a light on the darkness of Alzheimer’s disease. On this day of light, join us in bringing hope to patients, caregivers, and families living with this disease 24/7.
Please join us today in making a tax-deductible gift to the Alzheimer`s and Memory Disorders Program at Barrow Neurological Institute at the link in our bio!
🧠 Can you figure out today`s #brainteaser? Make sure you comment your answer below! A hint is provided below - if you need it!
Even simple exercises like this are an excellent workout for your brain! June is #AlzheimersandBrainHealthAwareness Month, so prioritize your brain health with small, fun activities like this!
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Hint: Count the letters in each tile!
Forgetfulness may be common - but some changes shouldn`t be ignored. Marwan Sabbagh, MD, FAAN, shares the difference between normal age-related memory changes and changes that indicate you may need to see a memory disorders specialist.
This June, help raise awareness for Alzheimer`s disease by sharing this post and making a tax-deductible gift to the Alzheimer`s and Memory Disorders Program at Barrow Neurological Institute. Link in bio!
Together, we can accelerate discoveries and transform neurological care for future generations. You can support Barrow by making a one-time donation, giving a gift to honor a loved one`s memory, or ensuring Barrow can continue saving lives for years with legacy giving.
Explore ways to give: https://www.supportbarrow.org/ways-to-give/
Anna D. Burke, MD, Karsten Solheim Chair for Dementia Research and Medical Director of the Alzheimer`s and Memory Disorders Program at Barrow, explains the importance of early diagnosis in Alzheimer’s disease.
Last year, the Alzheimer`s and Memory Disorders Program received a grant from the Davos Alzheimer`s Collaborative and the Global Alzheimer`s Platform for a pilot study demonstrating the impact of AI-based dementia testing in primary care clinics. Read more about this initiative at the link in our bio!
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.