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.
Curious about what our high school research interns thought of their summer experience? Watch the video to find out!
And a huge thanks to all the donors who helped make this opportunity possible for our summer interns 🙌👏
It`s Throwback Thursday - First Lady Nancy Reagan style.🗽
Today, we’re reminiscing on an honored visit from First Lady Nancy Reagan to @BarrowNeuro in 1988. She dedicated a new research laboratory to honor her late stepfather and mother, Dr. Loyal Davis and Edith Davis.
Dr. Loyal Davis had retired to Phoenix in 1963 and served as a consultant for Barrow Neurological Institute before serving as interim director of Barrow from 1965 to 1966.
The Loyal & Edith Davis Neurosurgical Research Laboratory is now under the direction of Dr. Mark Preul, training over 140 neurosurgery research fellows and earning 16 Vesalius Awards.
“I’m sure she [Nancy Reagan] would be delighted at the continuing progress that Barrow has made,” remarks Dr. Robert Spetzler, Emeritus Chair of Neurosurgery at Barrow Neurological Institute.
Learn more about the laboratory at the link in our bio 👆
In honor of #WorldBrainDay, and this year’s theme of “Access for All,” we are proud to highlight the Petznick Stroke Center’s Telestroke Program.
When a stroke occurs, every minute matters. Millions of brain cells die every minute that a stroke is left untreated. Judea Wiggins, MD, director of the Telestroke Program, explains how @BarrowNeuro brings world-class neurological expertise to rural and underserved communities virtually, expanding access to life-saving care for stroke patients. With 19 partner sites across Arizona, the Telestroke Program ensures that expert care is available when and where it is needed most.
“We know that time is brain. Access to stroke care can save millions of brain cells with every minute that we are able to get care faster. So with the Telestroke Program here at Barrow, we are able to deliver that expertise regardless of a patient’s location.”
- Judea Wiggins, MD, director of the Telestroke Program
Learn more about the telestroke program and how it creates access for all at the link in our bio 👆
Meet Vanshika Gottam, our passionate high school summer research intern at Barrow Neurological Foundation!
During her internship, Vanshika dove deep into the world of neuroscience and philanthropy. Her research project, titled “Federal Delays vs. Philanthropic Agility: Which Best Supports Early-Stage Medical Research?” explored the impact of federal and philanthropic funding on medical research, finding that donor funds from Barrow are essential in helping researchers’ ideas develop into full-scale projects.
Vanshika was also able to shadow experts at @BarrowNeuro and attend philanthropic meetings, learning all the ins and outs of the Foundation.
“Now I know that philanthropy funds a lot of researchers and their projects here. I think it’s really great because we have a chance to talk to donors. We have the chance to communicate and provide outreach and awareness,” she says.
Read more about her research findings and internship experience at the link in our bio ⬆️
Congratulations to our 2026 cohort of talented summer interns for presenting their research projects at the High School Research Symposium! 🧠🔬
These students spent the past five weeks immersed in the world of neuroscience, working on hands-on research projects alongside our experts at @BarrowNeuro. From laboratory work and clinical insights into stroke, aneurysm, hematoma, multiple sclerosis, and much more, our high school interns gained valuable experience and knowledge that will help shape their educational journey.
Thank you to the Barrow mentors who guided these students and to our generous donors whose support makes these life-changing internship opportunities possible. Through your philanthropic support, you are sparking curiosity, building foundational skills, and inspiring the next generation of neuroscience leaders.
Learn more about how donor support inspires future neuroscience leaders at Barrow at the link in our bio ⬆️
We are proud to announce that we have raised $438,000 from generous donors throughout May for #BrainTumorAwarenessMonth!
This successful campaign would not be possible without incredible partners like @ColdBeersAndCheeseburgers and @HensleyBeverage, raising nearly $20,000 at 16 statewide locations for brain cancer research at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center! 🍔🍽️
But the fun didn’t stop there, the @DBacks and the @OehmeFoundation played a crucial role in helping us reach this astounding number!
Thanks to your generosity, we were able to highlight the urgent need to advance brain cancer research and continue to support the Ivy Center’s goal of discovering new treatments for glioblastoma and other incurable brain tumors. The future of neuroscience starts with you!
This #ChronicDiseaseAwarenessDay, we’d like to recognize the strength, resilience, and adaptability of patients navigating life with chronic health conditions.
Lynne Brunetto is one of these patients. After being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), Lynne was determined to continue leading a fulfilling life. With help from Barrow neurologist Michael Robers, MD, Lynne redefined what an active life looked like for her, finding joy in gentle yoga, hiking, therapy work with her dog, wingfoiling, and playing the ukulele.
“Everyone needs someone, and I’m glad to have my family as my `someones` and Barrow, along with Dr. Robers and his whole team, by my side.” - Lynne Brunetto
Read Lynne’s full story at the link in our bio ⬆️
In an article for Becker`s Spine Review, Juan Uribe, MD, Chief of the Division of Spinal Disorders at @BarrowNeuro, shares how the Sonntag Spine Center is revolutionizing spine surgery training through the power of simulation and virtual reality. As Dr. Uribe notes, "We were able to find a way to connect both worlds"—bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world surgical precision.
Thanks to support from our donors, the Virtual Reality Spine Lab within the Sonntag Spine Center is not only blazing trails in neurosurgery training, but also helping residents refine their skills before ever entering the operating room.
Read the article at the link in our bio 👆
Happy 4th of July! 🦅🎇 We hope you have a safe and joy-filled holiday.
This Independence Day, we’re celebrating your generous support, which enables us to advance education, research, and care to help patients achieve freedom from the limitations of neurological diseases. Thank you for your continued support!
We recently had the pleasure of visiting @PingTour for an insightful employee wellness event! 🧠
Lewis Headache Center director Kerry Knievel, DO, and clinical psychologist Jennifer Gray, PhD, led an engaging presentation on headache health, including the latest in migraine treatment options, the critical importance of patient education, and the impact of specialized neurological care.
Thank you to the PING team for hosting us. We are grateful for this partnership and the chance to share these vital resources with the community!
This month is Men’s Mental Health Month, a time to recognize mental health and overall well-being. 🧠
Neurological diseases have a profound effect on both patients and their loved ones. Although male caregivers often report similar levels of burden as female caregivers, men often struggle more with help-seeking, expressing emotions, and self-care.
The specialists at @BarrowNeuro emphasize the importance of finding the right support systems early on and offer resources and guidance to do so. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, areas such as the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center and the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program offer specialized support groups, educational workshops and seminars, and respite services to make the journey easier on both patients and caregivers.
Help us continue providing these vital services by making a donation today at the link in our bio ⬆️
Repost @BarrowNeuro // Just six months into her dream job as a veterinarian, Dr. Nisha Parasher found herself on a medical leave that would last more than two years due to daily #migraine attacks.
But when she arrived at the #LewisHeadacheCenter at #BarrowNeurologicalInstitute in #Phoenix, #Arizona, she finally felt heard and finally received answers. And thanks to her multidisciplinary team of clinicians at Barrow, Nisha has returned to work with a new, resilient perspective.
Read her story at the link in our bio 👆
#MigraineAndHeadacheAwarenessMonth #MHAM
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.
