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.
“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
Severe #backpain can affect every aspect of your life, making simple activities like getting dressed in the morning, driving, and running errands almost unbearable.
Through the vision and leadership of Volker K.H. Sonntag, MD, the Sonntag Spine Center’s namesake, Barrow Neurological Institute established itself as a trailblazer in the research, education, and treatment of spinal disorders. Today, the Center continues to expand upon this tradition, propelling Barrow into the future of #spinesurgery by integrating cutting-edge research, technology, and innovation into the operating room - leading to incredible testimonials like Marilyn`s. 👉 Learn more about your impact at the Sonntag Spine Center: https://bar.rw/46Eog3m
Save the date for Saturday, February 7, 2026. The 20th Annual Walk the Fight and Run the Distance is back! 🥊 Learn more and register before 11/30 to take advantage of the early bird special! https://bar.rw/4pPHkmO. 🔗 Link in bio.
This walk/run supports community outreach and wellness programs at the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute.
📅 When: Saturday, February 7, 2026
📍 Where: Tempe Beach Park | 80 W. Rio Salado Pkwy, Tempe, AZ 85281
When traditional medications failed to control Jim Kurtz`s essential tremor, Barrow offered a revolutionary solution: focused ultrasound. Thanks to donor support, we acquired this cutting-edge technology. Jim underwent the non-invasive, outpatient procedure and walked out of the hospital the same day, immediately able to do everything he needed without shaking.
🤝 Your support empowers Barrow to acquire and utilize advanced medical technology that directly impacts patients like Jim. Learn more about the vital role of philanthropy in advancing neuroscience: https://bar.rw/42ksevo. Link in bio.
The Women`s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation has championed a long list of special projects over the years that have impacted many critical areas of #neuroscience research at Barrow Neurological Institute, and each initiative is more than clinical - it`s personal.
In 2011, Barrow Women`s Board Ball Co-Chairs Angela Melczer and Shän Francis introduced #braintumor research as that year’s project. It was especially poignant for Angela, whose son, Michael, had passed away just 36 hours after a #glioblastoma diagnosis. The Women’s Board`s selection of brain tumor research as that year’s project reflects its deep commitment to the #research mission of Barrow.
We are honored to play a role in advancing these impactful initiatives. Click here to see the historical list of Women`s Board Projects - each deeply meaningful to us all. 👉 https://bar.rw/4o5FdcZ
Happy #SpineHealthAwarenessMonth! We`re thrilled to highlight Laura Snyder, MD, FAANS, a powerhouse #neurosurgeon in the Sonntag Spine Center at Barrow Neurological Institute. Dr. Snyder performs over 250 spine surgeries and more than 100 minimally invasive procedures each year, all driven by her passion to get patients back to living life to the fullest. As she says, "I like seeing my patients go back to work. I understand when my patients tell me they want to return to being outside and active, and I enjoy helping them do so."
👏 Dr. Snyder was recently elected President of the AANS/CNS Joint Section of Women in Neurosurgery! We`re incredibly grateful for her dedication and vital advocacy for women in neurosurgery and leadership.
🗓️ Donor-Advised Fund Day (DAF Day) is on October 9! What is a donor-advised fund, anyway? A DAF is a "charitable savings account" that allows you to receive a deduction the year you need it most and give to charities and causes that are meaningful to you over time. According to the 2025 DAF Fundraising Report, DAFs are the fastest growing form of #philanthropy and have been shown to drastically increase support for critical causes once they are deployed.
Click here to learn how you can use your DAF to support Barrow: https://bar.rw/4gSKthB
Learn more about DAF day: https://bar.rw/3IA3Y1N
🏃♀️ A great (and fun) way to make a difference! Be sure to sign up for the 7th Annual Head For The Cure 5K today! https://bar.rw/3KLE0c5. Link in bio!
// Repost @theivybraintumorcenter //
We`re officially one month out from the incredible 7th Annual Head for the Cure 5K! Join the Ivy Brain Tumor Center team as we defeat brain cancer step by step at Kiwanis Park in Tempe on Sunday, October 26th.
Sign up today: link in bio!
Imagine watching helplessly as your child remains in a coma day after day, only to be told by the doctors that there’s nothing more they can do.
That’s exactly what Kara and Jeff May experienced when their daughter, Brielle, suffered a series of intense seizures that left her in a coma. They were devastated.
But that heartbreak turned to hope when Brielle came to Barrow, where the neurocritical care team vowed not to give up on her. They worked tirelessly to find a solution, and they did. After six long weeks, Brielle woke up.
🤝 Please join us in supporting this work with a tax-deductible gift, so more patients like Brielle have a second chance: https://bar.rw/4nuOGL2. ⬆️ Link in bio!
👏 We are so excited to share that for the fifth consecutive year, Barrow Neurological Institute is ranked among the World`s Best Specialized Hospitals for Neurosurgery by Newsweek! Of all 125 hospitals ranked in the #neurosurgery subspecialty, Barrow sits at No. 15 in the world! Michael T. Lawton, MD, President and CEO of Barrow, says “I couldn’t be more proud of all the dedicated neurosurgeons, neurologists, and clinicians that make inclusion in the top 10 specialized hospitals for neurosurgery in the U.S. a reality.”
We could not be more grateful for the unwavering support and commitment from you - our community of donors - for fueling this success year after year. Thanks to you, it`s possible!
Read the full announcement: https://bar.rw/4pCyYil. ⬆️ Link in bio!
Barrow Neurological Foundation is being honored at the Phoenix Sister Cities Mayor’s International 2025 Gala! This gala celebrates `Blossoming Friendships` and recognizes the impact of citizen leadership and global healing. Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego will present the awards.
🗓️ Join us on October 17 at Chateau Luxe in Phoenix, AZ! Click here for more details: https://bar.rw/46ooNWY. Link in bio.
Barrow Neurological Board Members, the Najafi Family, will be the recipients of the Global Citizen Award. Please join us in congratulating both Francis & Dionne Najafi, and Jahm and Cheryl Najafi!
📝 Update: a new article published by Health Central highlights key findings from a study co-authored by Zaman Mirzadeh, MD, PhD, Nacy Hanley Eriksson Chair for Neuromodulation at Barrow. Check out the full article to learn what this new science suggests about the hormone leptin and how it may help reverse a life-threatening complication of type 1 #diabetes and even hold the key to better treatment: https://bar.rw/4njr241. Link in bio!
The Women`s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation selected Dr. Mirzadeh`s diabetes research as its project to receive special funding through the 2022 Barrow Grand Ball. We are so excited to share this research update that will have a far-reaching impact on patients living with diabetes. Read more: https://bar.rw/3Kb8ILP
We define who we are by what we remember—about ourselves, our family and friends, and our life experiences. #Alzheimer’s slowly steals those memories away. This is the painful reality for the nearly 7 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s and the 11 million family members providing full-time care.
Barrow experts answer the most common questions surrounding this disease, and how through your support, we are reaching new heights in the diagnosis, treatment, and research for Alzheimer`s disease and #dementia. Read more: https://bar.rw/4pzglvF. Link in bio!
🌏 #WorldAlzheimersDay
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.