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
Bobbie`s initial memory loss concerns were dismissed as "normal aging." Unconvinced, her son Ivan found answers at Barrow Neurological Institute, where a clinical trial and PET scan finally confirmed a diagnosis: Alzheimer`s disease. With this confirmation, Bobbie officially began the clinical trial, contributing to research by providing evidence as to why PET scans are vital for early Alzheimer`s diagnosis and should be covered by insurance. "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." - Ivan Jones.
Your support of #neuroscienceresearch is more important now than ever. Each study conducted, clinical trial launched, and specialist trained has the potential to transform countless lives like Bobbie`s. ➡️ Make your tax-deductible gift today: https://bar.rw/46X4PSl. Link in bio!
Repost @barrowneuro 👉 We`re thrilled to announce that we`ve expanded and upgraded the Epilepsy Monitoring Unit (EMU) at Barrow, positioning our unit as one of the largest and most technologically advanced EMUs in the country.
Now housing 16 dedicated beds, the adult EMU at Barrow is the largest in the state of Arizona. Additionally, thanks to our new and unparalleled video wall, we can now monitor up to 48 patients simultaneously. This extends our epilepsy-monitoring services beyond the walls of our EMU, not only to patients across our hospital but virtually anywhere—equipping us to offer tele-EEG services to hospitals without their own EMUs.
Speaking of EEG—a technology that measures the electrical activity of the brain—we`ve upgraded that to brand-new, state-of-the-art equipment.
We`ve also outfitted the rooms in our EMU with dual cameras that can zoom in and out, enabling our team to capture every detail necessary to make the most accurate diagnoses for patients staying on the unit. And thanks the installation of more practical furniture and an alarm-relay system, our nurses can address patients` needs more promptly and seamlessly.
Our physicians and staff are also enjoying a new EEG-reading room with sit-stand desks, monitors of various sizes, and a meeting space.
We`re immensely proud of these upgrades, as they strengthen our role as a Level 4 Comprehensive Epilepsy Center. This designation from the National Association of Epilepsy Centers recognizes our ability to offer the highest level of medical and surgical evaluation and treatment of people with complex epilepsy.
To learn more about the Barrow Epilepsy Center, please visit BarrowNeuro.org/Epilepsy.
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!
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.