A M AG A Z I N E F OR T H E F R I E N D S OF BA R R OW N E U R OLO G IC A L F O U N DAT ION
SU PPO RTIN G B AR R O W N EU R O L O G ICAL IN STITU TE SPR IN G 2017
Accept Challenges Reject Norms Push Boundaries
ROBERT SPETZLER, MD honoring
3 4 R E M A R K A BL E Y E A R S
I
ACCEPTING CHALLENGES
T’S NOT OFTEN ONE has the opportunity to sit across the table from a renowned neurosurgeon who has pioneered lifesaving surgical techniques for brain aneurysms and built a prestigious neuroscience institute. Yet, that is where I found myself as I was being interviewed for the position of president of Barrow Neurological Foundation by Robert Spetzler, MD, president and CEO of Barrow Neurological Institute.
I asked Dr. Spetzler what I thought would be an involved question. “What is unique about Barrow?” His answer was simple and direct. He said, “At Barrow we accept challenges, we reject norms, and we push boundaries in order to save people’s lives.” After that statement, was there anywhere else in the world I would want to work? I’m honored to have the opportunity to join the Barrow team and look forward to helping preserve Dr. Spetzler’s legacy. While it is bittersweet that I am coming aboard just as Dr. Spetzler is retiring in July of this year, having met Michael Lawton, MD, our next president and CEO, I am confident that Barrow will continue to thrive. In the spirit of accepting challenges, we at the foundation have been working to make sure that we can, in fact, preserve Dr. Spetzler’s legacy. To that end, we are celebrating Dr. Spetzler’s 34-year tenure by establishing the Spetzler Legacy Campaign, which, with your help, will ensure that Dr. Spetzler’s transition plan into the “golden age” of Barrow becomes a reality. The Spetzler Legacy Campaign will fund a new state-of-the-art building on the hospital campus that will help to continue to attract the best and brightest clinicians and scientists in the world of neuroscience, and bring them together to work in a collaborative space. This facility will also provide a welcoming, friendly and accessible space for patients and their families. I encourage you to read through this issue of our magazine as a celebration of Dr. Spetzler’s ability to accept challenges, reject norms and push boundaries. Perhaps you will be inspired to accept our challenge and contribute to the Spetzler Legacy Campaign. With your ongoing support, we can continue the work Dr. Spetzler has begun and achieve an even greater vision for Barrow Neurological Institute in the future. With sincere gratitude,
Katie Cobb PRESIDENT BARROW NEUROLOGICAL FOUNDATION
SPR IN G 2 017
BARROW NEUROLOGICAL FOUNDATION BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Officers Michael Haenel, CHAIR
Dan Pierce, VICE-CHAIR
Michael R. King, SECRETARY
Karen C. McConnell, TREASURER
Members Katie Cobb Booker T. Evans, Jr.
2 Elementary, my dear Watson 4 Time is brain 6 Son’s gratitude sparks innovation 7 Brain tumor survivor continues search for answers 8 One less migraine
10 The Spetzler years
10
18 Women who know no bounds 22 Fighting to change patient care 24 Paying tribute 27 Employee iGive campaign
Ira A. Fulton Tomas Gorny
8
Dan L. Grubb Lisa Handley Michael Hecomovich Robert Hobbs, Sr. Karen S. King-Brooks
ON OUR COVER
William A. Langer, Jr.
Robert Spetzler, MD, has led Barrow Neurological Institute for the past 34 years. Under his direction, Barrow has become a world leader in neurology, neurosurgery and neuroscience research. Story on page 10.
Stephen Lenn Larry Mayhew W. Kent McClelland Patrick J. McGroder, III William Metzler Mitchell Pierce David Rauch Robert F. Spetzler, MD Jim Swanson E. Jeffrey Walsh Patty White Jerry D. Worsham, II
Editors-in-Chief Katie Cobb Alison Huebner Copy Editors Catherine Menor Michael Terrill
Contributing Writers Big Yam Carmelle Malkovich Catherine Menor Drew Whitney Designers Justin Detwiler Nathan Joseph
Photography Brad Armstrong Marie Clarkson Duke Photography, Inc. Alison Huebner Jared Platt Photography Printer Panoramic Press
PUSHING BOUNDARIES
ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR WATSON
O
NCE A THING
of pure science fiction, artificial
intelligence and supercomputers are becoming
ever more present in our daily lives. Apple’s Siri, Amazon’s Alexa and Microsoft’s Cortana help us with everyday tasks—checking the weather, purchasing movie tickets or setting a reminder to pick up the dry cleaning—but what if artificial intelligence could help us unravel medical mysteries, discover secrets hidden within our genes and, someday, find a cure for humankind’s most mystifying diseases? Barrow Neurological Institute’s director of the Gregory W. Fulton ALS Research Center, Robert Bowser, PhD, asked just that question. Last year, Dr. Bowser and his team began working with supercomputer IBM Watson Health to push the envelope of how artificial intelligence and medical research coincide. The newly launched Watson for Drug Discovery is a cloud-based artificial intelligence that aims to help researchers identify new drug targets and alternative drug indications. It is among a growing portfolio of products designed to help the life sciences community address the long, complex and costly process of drug discovery and development. This marks IBM Watson Health’s first collaboration dedicated to understanding neurological diseases. Barrow and IBM Watson Health partnered to explore unidentified genes and proteins that may be linked to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. ALS is a progressive and degenerative disease in which the cells that control voluntary muscle movements die, leading to paralysis and, ultimately, death. Scientists don’t yet know what causes ALS, and there is just one marginally effective FDA-approved medication. Most individuals die from ALS within three to five years from the onset of symptoms. Approximately 6,000 people are diagnosed with ALS every year.
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BARROW MAGAZINE / SPRING 2017
IBM Watson used machine learning, natural language processing and other cognitive reasoning technologies to consume all published ALS literature and to learn about proteins already known to be linked to ALS. “We were interested to see if we could use IBM Watson to accelerate the pace of discoveries,” says Dr. Bowser. Of the genes and proteins already linked to ALS, a number of them are termed RNA-binding proteins, which regulate the generation of all proteins within a cell. Within months, IBM Watson ordered all of the nearly 1,500 genes in the human genome that encode RNA binding proteins and predicted which genes might be associated with ALS. Then, Dr. Bowser and his team examined IBM Watson’s top evidence-based predictions and found that nine of the top 10 ranked genes are linked to the disease and altered in ALS patients. More significantly, the study found five neverbefore-linked genes associated with ALS. Without IBM Watson, Barrow scientists predict the research and discovery would have taken years rather than only a few months. “We are very excited about this discovery,” says Dr. Bowser. “ALS is one of the most complicated
Donor-funded research makes landmark discovery
T
The partnership between Barrow Neurological Institute and IBM Watson Health led to the discovery of five neverbefore-linked genes associated with ALS.
diseases to unravel, and there is no cure. Watson, with its robust knowledge base, was able to rapidly give us new and novel information we would not otherwise have had. We are pushing the envelope in how to use artificial intelligence in medical research, identifying the underlying cause of ALS, providing treatments and, someday, discovering a cure.” After the supercomputer’s successful work on ALS, researchers will likely target other neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. For ALS, the next step is for IBM Watson to explore many remaining questions, like why the disease behaves differently from person to person. The Barrow team plans to upload into IBM Watson data collected from ALS patients and use IBM Watson’s artificial intelligence to understand the complex biology of the disease and predict how the disease will progress within individual patients. This knowledge will greatly aid in developing new and improved treatments for ALS. To help Dr. Bowser and his team of human and supercomputer researchers continue to push the boundaries in ALS research, treatments and cures, visit SupportBarrow.org/DonateALS.
he advancements in ALS by IBM Watson Health and the Gregory W. Fulton ALS Research Center’s team would not have been possible without donor support. In 2002, Betty Van Denburgh established the John and Betty Van Denburgh Chair of Neuromuscular Disease in honor of her late husband who died from complications of ALS. The chair is funded through Barrow Neurological Foundation. Robert Bowser, PhD, was awarded the chair in 2013. He applies the steady stream of income from the chair to determining the underlying mechanisms of ALS, identifying new targets for drug treatment and developing improved therapies for ALS. The research and ensuing discoveries made by IBM Watson and Dr. Bowser’s team would not have been possible without this support. Endowments provide stability in an unstable world. Through the years, many generous benefactors have stepped forward to endow programs and chairs, providing Barrow continuous revenue for academic and research areas. To learn more about endowment opportunities at Barrow, call 602.406.1027.
Left to right: Director of the Gregory W. Fulton ALS Research Center, Robert Bowser, PhD, Betty Van Denburgh and president and CEO of Barrow Neurological Institute, Robert Spetzler, MD.
S U P P O RT B A R R O W.O R G
3
REJECTING NORMS
TIME IS BRAIN: HOW BARROW IS REVOLUTIONIZING STROKE CARE
M
ICHAEL WATERS, MD, PhD,
knows he’s working against the clock when it comes to
stroke. It is the fifth-leading cause of death in the nation and the country’s leading
cause of serious and long-term disability in adults. Approximately 8,000 strokes per year occur in Maricopa County alone. As the new director of the Neurovascular Division and Stroke Program at Barrow Neurological Institute, Dr. Waters is determined to change these grim statistics by developing and accelerating stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation efforts. “I’m elated to have joined the renowned medical team at Barrow,” says Dr. Waters. “My goal is to create new treatments for stroke and develop effective ways to provide timely diagnoses and treatments for stroke patients.” A stroke can affect how you move, think and feel. It
Dr. Waters’ expertise includes stroke and neurovascular disease, including signs, symptoms, diagnostics and treatments.
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can affect anyone at any time, and recovery is a lifelong process. The most common type of stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is blocked, depriving brain cells of the oxygen and nutrients needed for survival. It is estimated that 1.9 million neurons are lost each minute after a stroke occurs, and that the probability of a good outcome is reduced 10 percent every 30 minutes until blood flow is re-established. There are two types of strokes: ischemic strokes (87 percent of strokes) and hemorrhagic strokes (13 percent). An ischemic stroke occurs when an artery
Why We Give
T
he Barrow Neurovascular Division and Stroke Program and the Barrow Emergency Stroke Treatment Unit have been generously supported in part by individual benefactors and organizations. Every gift, no matter the size, makes a difference in the lives of those affected by stroke. Collectively, Thunderbirds Charities and The Board of Visitors have gifted $525,000 to revolutionize stroke care for our community and beyond. Thank you for your commitment to Barrow and to bettering and saving the lives of our neighbors, friends and family.
“The Thunderbirds are proud to partner with Barrow to offer the most advanced stroke care available to patients in the Valley. It’s a privilege to support the Barrow Emergency Stroke Treatment Unit, especially knowing it will help save the lives of hundreds of people every year. Our community is very fortunate to have world-class neurological care just around the corner, whenever it’s needed. Now, with this new emergency unit, worldclass stroke care can come directly to the patients, too.”
“For more than 100 years, The Board of Visitors has been dedicated to serving the healthcare needs of women, children and the elderly. Strokes unfortunately afflict all those we serve. We are proud to be a part of this groundbreaking advancement in stroke treatment.” Cindy Good CHAIRMAN, THE BOARD OF VISITORS
Danny Calihan PRESIDENT, THUNDERBIRDS CHARITIES
supplying oxygen-rich blood to the brain is blocked by a blood clot. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. Under Dr. Waters’ leadership, the doctors and scientists at Barrow are committed to providing excellent care, informing the community about prevention through control of risk factors and finding new ways of treating and preventing stroke through research. “In spite of substantial evidence to the contrary, there remains complacency in the approach to stroke care in many centers throughout the United States,” says Dr. Waters. “At Barrow we have an eye on innovation; we are not complacent. We are always looking for a better way to help our patients.” Unlike many other medical centers, Barrow treats potential stroke patients as a neurological emergency until doctors have exhausted every therapy available. And, rather than admitting and treating stroke patients in general wards, Barrow cares for stroke patients in a specialized NeuroICU that is staffed by professionals with expertise in treating neurological patients. Many studies have demonstrated that this approach improves outcomes. “We are also heavily invested in shortening the amount of time from stroke to treatment,” says Dr. Waters. “We know that early treatment is one of the most important predictors of good outcomes. The Barrow Emergency Stroke Treatment Unit is an excellent example of how we are never satisfied with the norm; we will always be seeking a better way.” Dr. Waters’ expertise includes stroke and neurovascular disease, including signs, symptoms, diagnostics and treatments. His research topics include genetic mechanisms, neuroprotection and neuroplasticity. This research could revolutionize stroke treatment and, ultimately, improve people’s quality of life.
Barrow Emergency Stroke Treatment Unit The Barrow stroke program is one of the busiest and most experienced stroke programs in the country, caring for more stroke survivors than any other center in the southwest. Because we know that fast treatment can greatly reduce the effects of stroke, Barrow is changing the way stroke victims are cared for—by delivering treatment to patients. The Barrow Emergency Stroke Treatment Unit is a specially equipped and staffed ambulance that will provide immediate diagnosis and treatment to stroke patients before they arrive at the hospital. This emergency unit is a paradigm shift in stroke care. Reducing the amount of time between first symptoms and appropriate medical treatment decreases brain damage, death and long-term disabilities resulting from strokes. After the onset of a stroke, it is critical to re-establish blood flow to the affected portion(s) of the brain. When blood flow is restricted in the brain, every minute that passes determines the amount of brain tissue saved and the likelihood of complete recovery. The critical diagnostic test that determines patient eligibility for tPA, the blood clot busting medication, is a CT scan, currently only available in select stroke center emergency rooms. Technological innovations now make it possible to build a portable CT scanner, with real-time data transfer and face-to-face video conferencing with a stroke physician, in the Barrow Emergency Stroke Treatment Unit, thus bringing the medical and technical expertise of an internationally recognized stroke center, Barrow, to the curbside of stroke patients. This is a dramatic, lifesaving advance in stroke care.
The Barrow Emergency Stroke Treatment Unit is expected to be on the road this summer.
S U P P O RT B A R R O W.O R G
5
ACCEP TING CHALLENGES
SON’S GRATITUDE SPARKS INNOVATION
P
ATENT AT TORNEY STEVEN LISA
is well-
versed in the art of invention and keenly
interested in encouraging go-getters to discover new ways to solve old problems—especially if it
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BARROW MAGAZINE / SPRING 2017
Steven Lisa (left) and his father Don Lisa (right).
for Steven and Dr. Bohl, obstacles are just problemsolving opportunities. As an ASU alumnus and adjunct law professor, Steven began connecting the dots between his professional affiliation with the university’s law and engineering departments. Years earlier he had established a Lisa Foundation Patent Law Clinic at ASU’s law school, providing students with real-life patent experience. He helped Dr. Bohl establish agreements with ASU to assist the now-thriving Barrow Innovation Center. Those agreements enable ASU to provide engineering assistance to develop prototypes of the residents’ new devices and legal assistance to drive the provisional patent process. “Ideas for medical devices are usually bottlenecked because it’s so difficult to get through patenting,” says Dr. Bohl. “But now we are eliminating the barriers.” “I’m so thankful to help connect brilliant minds from two separate institutions,” says Steven. “My hope is that this turns into both a learning and commercial success, with ASU students helping Barrow residents design and protect amazing new neurological tools used to improve patients’ lives.”
PHOTO PROVIDED BY STEVEN LISA
leads to saving lives. That was his inspiration for establishing the Lisa Family Foundation Innovation Grant at Barrow Neurological Institute. Little did he know the grant would become a steppingstone to an even greater discovery—a streamlined process for patenting medical devices by partnering Barrow residents with students at the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University (ASU). The idea came to Steven during one of many trips to Barrow, while his father was undergoing treatment for brain cancer. “My dad has received amazing care. What struck me in particular was the expertise of the neurosurgery residents at Barrow,” he says. “Their talent is astonishing...light years ahead of other hospitals.” Steven translated his awe into a gift of appreciation that would benefit those residents while inspiring them to even higher achievements. The first three annual Lisa Innovation Grants were awarded in 2015 to fund residents’ projects with vastly different goals, including the creation of a prototyping laboratory for residents to design new medical devices. The Prototyping Lab really hit home for Steven, who is not only a patent attorney, but also an electrical engineer. Opening the lab—complete with 3D technology and machining tools to design new surgical instruments—was also a dream-come-true for resident Michael Bohl, MD, who often thinks of ways to improve medical devices while performing surgery. The lab was a step in the right direction, but looming ahead was a huge roadblock: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Gaining FDA approval for medical devices requires extensive legal and engineering expertise, as well as time. For many inventors, it’s the end of the road. But
REJECTING NORMS
BRAIN TUMOR SURVIVOR CONTINUES HER SEARCH FOR ANSWERS THROUGH REVOLUTIONARY CLINICAL TRIAL
W
HEN LIZ HOLZEMER
began having migraines, hearing
whooshing noises and experiencing déjà vu and was
unable to become pregnant, she knew her body was telling her something. She sought the expertise of doctors in
Colorado but was told she was hormonal, stressed and that it was “all in her head.” But Liz knew something deeper was wrong. She continued her search for answers and convinced doctors to order an MRI. The results delivered the most devastating news of her life: Liz had a baseball-sized tumor pressing against her right optic nerve, carotid artery and sinus cavity. It was a meningioma—a tumor that arises from the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. After a successful tumor resection, Liz established Meningioma Mommas, a not-for-profit organization, to provide support and resources to people affected by meningiomas and to raise awareness and critical research funding for this common brain tumor. To kick off Brain Tumor Awareness Month, Meningioma Mommas made a gift of $15,000 to Barrow Neurological Foundation in support of a first-of-its-kind clinical trial that will test the effects of a new drug on meningiomas.
Nader Sanai, MD, founded the Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center in an effort to bring together Barrow’s neuro-oncology experts. Dr. Sanai and his team’s objective is to create an experimental therapy option for every brain tumor patient, regardless of diagnosis or stage of disease.
This study is a Phase 0 trial, a new type of clinical trial that Barrow Neurological Institute designed to streamline and fundamentally change the way drugs are developed. In these trials, brain tumor patients are exposed to a drug; their tumors are then tested to see if there is a clinical response. The goal of a Phase 0 clinical trial is to determine early on whether the drug has the anticipated effect, and, thus, place patients only in studies where there is certainty that the drug will be beneficial. Phase 0 clinical trials save hundreds of millions of dollars in research costs, years of drug development and research and, potentially, the lives of people. Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center director and principal investigator of the clinical trial, Nader Sanai, MD, has made it his mission to offer an experimental therapy option for every brain tumor patient, regardless of diagnosis or stage of disease. “I am so pleased to partner with Liz and Meningioma Mommas,” says Dr. Sanai. “We share the mutual ambition to cure all patients of this difficult tumor. Like Liz, we at the Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center do not accept the status quo and keep pushing for new research and clinical trials for patients with brain tumors.”
Liz Holzemer at St. Mary’s Glacier in Idaho Springs, Colorado.
To join Liz, Meningioma Mommas and researchers at the Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, visit SupportBarrow.org/SupportBBTRC. Your gift will enable researchers to reject norms, find answers and better the lives of those living with brain tumors. S U P P O RT B A R R O W.O R G
7
PUSHING BOUNDARIES
T.W. Lewis Foundation, founded by Tom and Jan Lewis, is dedicated to improving the quality of life for others by helping people and organizations reach their potential. They partnered with Barrow Neurological Institute to develop the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program in order to help people who are living with migraines.
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ONE LESS MIGRAINE
A
S ONE OF
the 37 million migraine sufferers in North America, Jan Lewis is no stranger to the
debilitating and nauseating pain that would seclude her to a dark, quiet and cool room for days.
“I’d wake up in the morning and just know that I wouldn’t be able to leave my room that day,” says Jan. “The pain was overwhelming; I wasn’t able to function because of the migraines.” Jan now takes a preventive medication, and when she feels a migraine headache coming on, she is able to lessen the pain or prevent it entirely through a “rescue therapy” that Kerry Knievel, DO, prescribes to patients. With Dr. Knievel’s comprehensive approach to migraine prevention and treatment—including medication, Botox injections, infusions and migraine trigger identification—Jan is now able to wake up in the morning without incapacitating pain; she’s able to travel and play with her grandkids. Because of the outstanding care Jan has received, her involvement in the Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation and her desire to help others, she and her husband, Tom, gifted $2 million though their family foundation, T.W. Lewis Foundation, to establish the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program at Barrow Neurological Institute. “T.W. Lewis Foundation is all about partnering with
outstanding organizations that are pushing the boundaries of their field. We believe in supporting projects that are going to make a difference in people’s lives,” says Tom. “That’s exactly what Barrow does and what this migraine program will do for many Arizona migraine patients in the future.” Once fully developed, this new program will enable three times more migraine patients to be seen by the Barrow team. It will offer multidisciplinary patient care options and lead research and clinical trials to improve treatments and find cures. “We wanted to partner with Barrow to create a program to help people who suffer from migraines,” says Jan. “We want more people to get the care that I received from Dr. Knievel and her staff.” To join the Lewises and Barrow Neurological Institute in building one of the leading migraine programs in the country, visit SupportBarrow.org/MigraineMatch. Together, we can provide relief for the millions of people who suffer from debilitating migraines.
Migraine Match
M
igraines affect 10 percent of the population; many of us experience them ourselves or know someone who suffers from them. Because migraine affects such a large population, the Lewises wanted to establish a program that will push the existing boundaries in the diagnosis, treatment and research of migraine. As part of the Lewises transformational gift to establish the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program, they will match donations to the program’s research dollar for dollar up to $500,000. Support is needed to ensure that Barrow can make progress in discovering what causes migraines, how they can be detected earlier, and what the best course of treatment is for every person living with the pain and discomfort of migraines.
Join the Lewises, Dr. Knievel and the entire Barrow team in helping people who live with migraine pain by making a tax-deductible gift to be matched by the T.W. Lewis Foundation at SupportBarrow.org/ MigraineMatch.
In 2012 Kerry Knievel, DO, began seeing migraine patients at Barrow Neurological Institute. Today, Dr. Knievel sees 15 to 25 patients a day, and every month 20 to 30 new patients come to the clinic for her expertise. When the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program comes to fruition, Dr. Knievel and her team plan to increase the number of patients they care for annually by 20 percent. S U P P O RT B A R R O W.O R G
9
R
ROBERT F. SPETZLER , MD, 73, will step down from his position as
president and CEO of Barrow Neurological Institute on June 30, 2017. Michael Lawton, MD—a man 20 years his junior and, according to Dr. Spetzler, the best cerebrovascular neurosurgeon of his generation— will take the reins of Barrow the next day. The transition will mark the end of a 34-year era at Barrow—the
Spetzler years—but not an end to the institute’s remarkable growth and development. With his trademark confidence, Dr. Spetzler says, “I absolutely guarantee that Barrow will continue to flourish.”
THE
SPETZLER Dr. Spetzler’s confidence comes from knowing Dr. Lawton well. The incoming president and CEO trained at Barrow, and the two have remained close, professionally and personally, ever since. Dr. Spetzler also knows that Barrow is staffed by a strong team of brain and spine specialists who are all committed to his well-proven formula for progress: » Accept challenges. » Reject norms. » Push boundaries. Dr. Spetzler expects his retirement to be packed with a little work and a lot of play, including snow skiing, mountain biking, hiking, kayaking, and spending lots of time with his wife, children and grandchildren. “I have so many things I’m interested in, I really do not believe I’ll have any trouble retiring,” he says.
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BARROW MAGAZINE / SPRING 2017
Accept challenges, reject norms, push boundaries: A formula for progress
YEARS
S U P P O RT B A R R O W.O R G
11
THE SPETZLER YEARS
T
HE SPETZLER YEARS at Barrow Neurological Institute have been marked by a simple, but powerful philosophy: the status quo is never good enough. Every activity in the institute can be improved. Every problem can be solved. “Throughout the years, when we were learning surgery, doing surgery, it was always Barrow that was leading, that was doing best practice, exploring new ways, and, also, leaving old ways behind,” says Andreas Raabe, MD, a neurosurgeon in Switzerland. “Dr. Spetzler is the neurosurgeon who has had the greatest impact on what I am doing.” Barrow’s leadership in the neurosciences starts with this commitment to progress. All members of the Barrow team are expected to advance patient care, research and medical education at Barrow by: » Accepting challenges. » Rejecting norms. » Pushing boundaries. These three principles drive Barrow relentlessly forward.
ACCEPTING CHALLENGES: Destination for the Worst Brain and Spine Problems Barrow is the place of last resort, the place that patients with the very worst brain and spine problems go for help. “Dr. Spetzler has always said, ‘We take everything,’” says Peter Nakaji, MD, a neurosurgeon at Barrow. “By accepting challenges and becoming equal to them, he’s pushed his own limits through the years, and by doing so, he has gotten so that he can take on cases that nobody else wants.” Barrow’s ability to handle the most challenging cases began with the decision in the early 1980s to subspecialize. Focusing on a specific area of neurosurgery—say spine or cerebrovascular surgery— was unheard of in Phoenix when Dr. Spetzler arrived in 1983. Instead, neurosurgeons did a little bit of everything: a brain tumor Monday, spine surgery Tuesday and an aneurysm Wednesday. Dr. Spetzler saw subspecialization as the key to growing the institute. “It was a leap of faith to subspecialize,” says Volker
1986
1984
1987
HE IS INSPIRING.
“He elevates everybody by just setting the expectations, and you want to do the best for him and be part of his great team. You become more than you thought you could ever possibly be. That’s the reward we get for working here.” BARBARA HECHT EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT TO ROBERT SPETZLER, MD 1988
1984 Tribute dinner for John Green, MD, Chief of Neurosurgery and Director of Barrow Neurological Institute for 27 years. Left to right: John Green, MD; Georgia Green; Nancy Spetzler; Robert Spetzler, MD. 1986 Ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the
newly expanded facilities of the Division of Neurobiology. Left to right: John J. Buckley, Jr.; Robert Spetzler, MD; Sister Nancy Perlick; James R. Bloedel, MD, PhD. 1987 Robert Spetzler, MD, at America’s Brain Trust presented by Barrow Neurological Institute. 1988 Nancy Reagan dedicates the Dr. Loyal and Edith Davis Neurological Research Laboratory in honor of her parents. 12
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ACCEP TING CHALLENGES
Sonntag, MD, one of the original members of Barrow Brain and Spine. “We were one of the first in the country to subspecialize. I took spine, and Robert took vascular.” The new approach led to steady growth for Barrow. By subspecializing, Barrow’s neurosurgeons developed skills and experience in a narrow area. As they became known in their area, more patients were referred to them. The process became cyclical: more patients meant more experience meant better outcomes—which led to more patients. “When you concentrate on an area, you automatically receive patients that other neurosurgeons don’t feel comfortable treating. Your experience builds up very quickly, and if you’re any good, you build a reputation that snowballs,” says Dr. Spetzler. Subspecialization extends into Barrow’s research labs, with neurosurgeons and neurologists leading projects to improve brain and spine care in their areas of expertise. Accepting challenging cases is a heavy responsibility, says Dr. Nakaji, one that many
Jesse Cook
J
1999 Robert Spetzler,
MD, with transverse myelitis patient, Cody Unser. 2002 Robert Spetzler, MD with Muhammad Ali and Nancy Spetzler at Celebrity Fight Night.
1999
HE IS CONFIDENT.
“He’s not afraid of competition because he doesn’t believe in his heart that anyone is competition—and that’s a wonderfully confident place to be. It’s allowed him to cultivate a lot of very strong people and personalities around him, which is part of what’s made this place thrive.”
esse Cook was just 12 when a trip to the emergency department uncovered an abnormal tangle of arteries and veins in his spine, putting him at risk for paralysis. Removal of the arteriovenous malformation (AVM) would be so difficult and risky that neurosurgeons at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles sent Jesse to Barrow Neurological Institute. Robert Spetzler, MD, accepted the case, though the AVM was more severe than originally thought: a significant portion of this tangle of blood vessels was within the spinal cord, increasing the risk of paralysis. A surgical team, led by Dr. Spetzler and Felipe Albuquerque, MD, completely removed the AVM. “Jesse’s AVM was very rare and one of the most difficult cases we’ve handled,” says Dr. Spetzler. Jesse, now 20, is attending college and playing sports again. He was named most valuable offensive player for his lacrosse team in his junior and senior years in high school. “I’m so incredibly grateful to Dr. Spetzler and everyone at Barrow. It was really scary being that young and knowing that something was so wrong that a lot of doctors didn’t want to operate on me.” Jesse plans to become a lawyer.
PETER NAKAJI, MD PHOTO PROVIDED BY COOK FAMILY
DIRECTOR, NEUROSURGICAL RESIDENCY PROGRAM 2002
Jesse Cook (right) and his brother (left).
S U P P O RT B A R R O W.O R G
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THE SPETZLER YEARS
neurosurgeons choose not to take. So why does Barrow take the riskiest cases, those that others have turned away? “If you know your chances of succeeding are better than anybody else’s, you have to go in. You need to run into the burning building. You need to step in front of the bus and try to snatch the child out of the street because nobody else is going to have a better shot than you,” says Dr. Nakaji.
REJECTING NORMS: Driving Progress Through Continual Change At Barrow, progress depends upon continually questioning the status quo. “Rejecting norms is really the process of evolution, of advancement, of making improvements,” explains Dr. Spetzler. “I tell the residents that at the end of every operation, before they close, they need to review how we performed the operation and how we could improve on it the next time around.” This constant re-evaluation of norms has led to improved surgical instruments, new procedures and innovative approaches into the brain. For example, the brainstem on the skull base—the area between the spinal cord and the brain—used to be a kind of no-man’s-land for neurosurgeons. Packed with blood vessels, nerves and other vital structures,
the area carried great risks for surgeons and their patients. But for Dr. Spetzler, “it was just a matter of finding safe entry zones, determining what kind of anatomical barriers there were and what kind of approaches might work,” says Dr. Nakaji. Dr. Spetzler developed new access points into the brainstem, often by combining two different approaches. He published his findings, and other neurosurgeons followed the paths he mapped into the brainstem. But this was not the end of the process. “Once we accomplished that and we were comfortable with the incredibly complex anatomy of the brainstem obtained through large craniotomies, we then reversed the process to get the same sort of exposure through much, much smaller openings,” says Dr. Spetzler.
PUSHING BOUNDARIES: A Belief in the Possibility of Progress Innovation at Barrow is a group project involving people from throughout the organization. The ability to create a respectful, cooperative environment where every individual is encouraged to think, question and contribute is part of Dr. Spetzler’s genius. “We take the attitude from him that there isn’t
REJECTING NORMS
Julie Stendal
Julie Stendal
I
n 2014, Julie Stendal of Oslo, Norway, was living with a rare, inoperable arteriovenous malformation (AVM) in her spinal cord. “No one had ever seen anything like my condition,” she says. “I was terrified of becoming paralyzed.” The abnormal tangle of arteries and veins could rupture at any time. So when the AVM began bleeding, Julie’s doctor referred her to Robert Spetzler, MD, at Barrow Neurological Institute. Julie was lucky. Dr. Spetzler and his colleagues had rejected the norm that spinal AVMs like hers could not be removed and had developed an effective method
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to remove them without causing damage. The approach was radically different from removing an AVM in the brain. “If you cut into an AVM in the brain, you are confronted with uncontrollable bleeding, and it’s a pure disaster. But in the spinal cord, you can cut across the AVM, leaving the vessels that go into the spinal cord intact,” Dr. Spetzler explains. The new procedure was tested in laboratory facilities funded by Barrow Neurological Foundation. Dr. Spetzler successfully removed the AVM from Julie’s spine and two days later the 26-year-old nurse was walking again. Her doctors from Norway traveled to Barrow to observe the operation. “I’m indescribably happy for the help he gave me,” says Julie, who can now ski and snowboard without the fear of a rupture.
Brett Kehrer and his family.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY KEHRER FAMILY
anything we can’t do, that there isn’t anything that doesn’t have some elegant, interesting answer to it. His attitude has completely inspired the institute and how it functions,” says Mark Preul, MD, director of Neurosurgery Research at Barrow. As a result, Barrow has pushed the boundaries of what’s possible by pioneering new procedures, such as thoracoscopic surgery and skull reattachment; by mapping new approaches into previously inoperable areas of the brain; and by contributing to the development of new surgical technology. One example is the cardiac standstill operation, which puts the patient into a kind of suspended animation—the body cooled, the heart stopped and the blood drained—so that the neurosurgeon can safely remove large aneurysms in difficult-to-reach areas of the brain without the danger of rupture. While most neurosurgeons had poor outcomes with cardiac standstill, Dr. Spetzler and Joseph Zabramski, MD, refined the procedure for use at Barrow. Dr. Spetzler has used cardiac standstill to treat 106 patients who otherwise faced almost certain death. One case involving a pregnant woman made international headlines when mother and child survived with no ill effects. “Every little step we’ve taken enables us to take a bigger step,” says Dr. Spetzler.
PUSHING BOUNDARIES
Brett Kehrer
I 2004 Robert Spetzler, MD, and Volker Sonntag, MD, celebrate their 60th birthdays. 2017 The Robert F. Spetzler Neuroscience Tower.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY JULIE STENDAL
HE IS INCLUSIVE.
“People who come to study and train here feel that collegiate feeling we have, that we are all equals, that we are pushing the same train up the hill. We all push each other and want to achieve the best, and we all have fun.” VOLKER SONNTAG, MD VICE-CHAIR EMERITUS, DEPARTMENT OF NEUROSURGERY, BARROW NEUROLOGICAL INSTITUTE
2017
n 2005, Brett Kehrer, 28, of Montoursville, Pennsylvania, learned that his persistent throbbing headaches were not a genetic gift from his mother, but the calling card of a huge blood-filled aneurysm on a major artery at the base of his skull. If it ruptured, the odds were high Brett would die. The aneurysm was possible to treat only through a difficult and seldom-performed surgery called cardiac standstill, a procedure that truly pushes the boundaries of medicine. Brett was referred to the surgeon who’d had the most success with cardiac standstill, Robert Spetzler, MD. During the complex procedure, a team of physicians cooled Brett’s body, stopped his heart and drained the blood from his body. The aneurysm deflated like a pricked balloon, and Dr. Spetzler was then able to place a clip across the neck of the aneurysm to stop blood flow into it. Brett was Dr. Spetzler’s 103rd cardiac standstill patient. Three months later, Brett married his fiancée, Ann Gaida. The couple now has two children: James, 10, and Elsa, 7. Brett finds it difficult to fully express his gratitude for Dr. Spetzler. “Every other hospital wouldn’t touch me. He did not have to do what he did. He didn’t have to take that chance, but he did, and I thank God every day of my life that he did.”
2004
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THE SPETZLER YEARS
HIS LEGACY BARROW’S RETIRING PRESIDENT AND CEO
R
OBERT SPETZLER, MD, is a world-renowned neurosurgeon specializing in cerebrovascular disease and skull base tumors. He was born in Germany in 1944, the third of six children. His family immigrated to the United States when he was 10. Dr. Spetzler received a medical degree from Northwestern University, Chicago, in 1971 and completed a neurosurgery residency at the University of California, San Francisco, under the renowned Charles Wilson, MD, in 1977. In 1983, Dr. Spetzler left his position as associate professor of neurosurgery at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine to join Barrow Neurological Institute as the first J.N. Harber Chair of Neurological Surgery. He became the director of Barrow when the institute’s first director, John Green, MD, retired in 1986. Under Dr. Spetzler’s leadership, Barrow has grown into an internationally recognized neurological institute, attracting patients, physicians and researchers from around the world. Among his many accomplishments are these noteworthy achievements: » Instrumental in creating the highly-respected Barrow neurosurgery residency program. » Performed more aneurysm procedures than any other neurosurgeon—more than 6,470 as of May 2017. » Played a dominant role in developing the cardiac standstill into an effective surgical technique for treating large or dangerous cerebral aneurysms. He has performed 106 cardiac standstills, more than any other surgeon in the world. » Published more than 650 articles and 250 book chapters in neuroscience literature, and co-edited 20 textbooks. » Designed surgical tools now used in operating rooms around the world. » Developed new medical procedures, including one that allows neurosurgeons to safely remove dangerous arteriovenous malformations from the spinal cord. » Developed new approaches into the difficult skullbase area of the brain, enabling neurosurgeons to remove previously inoperable lesions. » Named Honored Guest by the Congress of
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Neurological Surgeons in 1994, the youngest member to receive the prestigious award. » Named in 2014 as one of the 20 most innovative surgeons alive among all surgical specialties worldwide. » Named one of Phoenix’s 15 most influential citizens by the Arizona Republic. Michael Lawton, MD, neurosurgeon, University of California, San Francisco, and a former Barrow resident and fellow, says there is much to admire about Dr. Spetzler. “He’s a technical master and a real innovative thinker: he’s able to come up with new ideas. He’s brave: he tackles some of the most complicated cases, and he doesn’t flinch. He’s inspiring: he finds ways to bring out the best in people and build a team around him that consistently overperforms.” Dr. Lawton will succeed Dr. Spetzler as president and CEO of Barrow this summer.
HIS HOMECOMING BARROW’S INCOMING PRESIDENT AND CEO
M
ICHAEL LAWTON, MD, is the Tong-Po Kan Endowed Chair, professor of neurological surgery, chief of cerebrovascular surgery and director of the cerebrovascular disorders program at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). He has treated more than 4,000 brain aneurysms and more than 700 arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) during his 18-year career at UCSF. Dr. Lawton conducts basic science research into the formation, underlying genetics and rupture of brain AVMs, as well as the hemodynamics, rupture and computational modeling of brain aneurysms. His clinical investigations study the anatomy of microsurgical approaches to vascular lesions and efficacy of aneurysm, AVM and bypass surgery. He is the principle investigator of a National Institutes of Health grant and program director of the Brain Vascular Malformation Consortium. Dr. Lawton has published more than 400 peerreviewed articles, more than 70 book chapters, and three textbooks. He has given more than 600 invited lectures nationally and internationally. His awards include the Young Neurosurgeon Award from the World Federation of Neurological Societies, the Harold Rosegay Teaching Award and the Diane Ralston Clinical and Basic Science Teaching Award. He has been active in resident teaching courses and in Mission: BRAIN, a teaching mission to raise the level of neurosurgical technique practiced in developing countries. After graduating from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1990, Dr. Lawton completed a
“My passion for neurosurgery began at Barrow Neurological Institute as a resident. I return with the promise to take Barrow’s amazing accomplishment’s and expand those endeavors to establish Barrow as the best neuroscience center in the world.”
neurosurgery residency and a fellowship in cerebrovascular/skull-base surgery at Barrow Neurological Institute and a second fellowship in endovascular surgery at UCSF. “I am heartened by the knowledge that Dr. Lawton was carefully selected from among the top neurosurgeons in the country,” says Dr. Spetzler. “He is an exceptionally qualified and gifted cerebrovascular neurosurgeon, and I am absolutely delighted to know that patients with the most complex cases can continue to find help at Barrow.” “I’m a product of Barrow,” says Dr. Lawton. “I think the way Dr. Spetzler thinks, and I operate the way he operates. I think that in many ways my tenure will be a continuation of the Spetzler years. I’m looking forward to the challenges ahead and can’t wait to get started.”
MICHAEL LAWTON, MD
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Women’s Board Chair Nancy Gaintner (right) and ball co-chairs Jan Lewis (center) and Carolyn O’Malley (left).
PUSHING BOUNDARIES
WOMEN WHO KNOW NO BOUNDS: RAISING RECORD AMOUNT FOR BARROW
F
OUNDED IN 1965 to raise money for research at Barrow Neurological Institute, the Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation has evolved into one of the most successful fundraising entities in the Valley and the largest donor to Barrow. Each year, this group of driven and dedicated women pushes the boundary of what they raise for Barrow’s neuroscientific research. Over the last half-century, the group has donated $58.6 million to support research at the institute. In celebration of Dr. Robert Spetzler’s leadership at Barrow, the Women’s Board raised $4.6 million in 2016. Their philanthropic achievements were celebrated at the annual Barrow Grand Ball, held at the Arizona Biltmore Grand Ballroom in January. “I offer my deepest gratitude to members of the Women’s Board for their enduring support over the past 34 years of my tenure at Barrow Neurological Institute,” says Dr. Spetzler, president and CEO of Barrow. “As the next chapter of Barrow begins, I am humbled by the graciousness of these extraordinary women. I believe we are entering the ‘golden age’ of Barrow. With support from the Women’s Board, we will continue to be at the forefront of finding answers to some of the most devastating medical conditions. Our team will continue to push the boundaries of science, technology and medicine in order to save lives.” As part of their annual fundraising effort to benefit Barrow, the Women’s Board chooses a special project
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for collective support. This year the board selected the research of Michael Waters, MD, PhD. Dr. Waters is developing and accelerating stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation at Barrow. Dr. Waters’ research and the Barrow stroke program could revolutionize stroke treatment and, ultimately, better people’s quality of life. Barrow’s team of experts conducts more clinical stroke treatment and prevention research trials than any other institution in the region. “Our goal is to provide timely and world-class care to our patients along the continuum of stroke care,” says Dr. Waters. “This includes research, outreach, education and prevention in the community, expert hospital care and access to emergent therapies and intervention.” The Women’s Board’s gift of $1,130,250 to stroke research will support the study of neuroplasticity—the ability of the brain to repair itself and re-acquire lost function—and other stroke-related topics. Dr. Waters and his team aim to leverage this funding to apply for large National Institutes of Health, foundation, industry and federal grants to make Barrow a research capital for stroke recovery. (More on page 4.) To learn more about the Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation and contribute to the group’s fundraising efforts, visit SupportBarrow.org / BarrowWomensBoard.
“This summer we met with Dr. Waters at the encouragement of Dr. Spetzler. He won us over immediately with his caring outlook, passion for his patients and commitment to pushing the boundaries of stroke research. It’s been a joy to work with him and champion his efforts this past year. We could not be more proud to have raised $1.13 million towards stroke research.” JAN LEWIS AND CAROLYN O’MALLEY, BARROW GRAND BALL 2017 CO-CHAIRS
Among the 359 guests attending this year’s black-tie event were some of the Valley’s most well-known leaders and philanthropists. Left to right: Dr. Craig Barrett and Ambassador Barbara Barrett; Stevie and Karl Eller; Bob and Karen Hobbs; Senator Jon Kyl and Caryll Kyl; Tom and Jan Lewis; Nancy and Robert Spetzler, MD; Amy Thurston, Tom Lewis and Ray Thurston; Francis and Dionne Najafi; Melani and Rob Walton; Michael Waters, MD, PhD, Jacquie Dorrance and Carolyn O’Malley.
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MAJOR GIFTS | BARROW GRAND BALL 2017 WOMEN’S BOARD PROJECT
BARROW DEAN
WHITE COAT FELLOW
Stroke Research
Anonymous Developing New Drugs to Treat Depression
Barrow Neurological Institute The Spetzler Legacy Project
ENDOWMENT FUND
CHIEF OF STAFF
Ambassador Barbara and Dr. Craig Barrett “Thank you, Dr. Spetzler” Initiative
Mr. and Mrs. Bennett Dorrance Stroke Research
Mr. and Mrs. Karl Eller Translational Bio-imaging Research
Mr. and Mrs. David Glew The Spetzler Legacy Project
Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Hobbs, Sr. Multiple Sclerosis Fellow
Diane and Bruce Halle Foundation The Spetzler Legacy Project
Mr. and Mrs. Ray R. Thurston Drug Delivery Research and Traumatic Brain Injury and Sports Neurology Fellowship
Newton and Betty Rosenzweig
Mrs. Lee T. Hanley Pancreatic Pain Alleviation and “Thank you, Dr. Spetzler” Initiative Mr. and Mrs. Thomas W. Lewis Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program Mr. and Mrs. Dana Moore Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center Mr. and Mrs. F. Francis Najafi Targeted Therapy for Glioma Stem Cell Niches: A ClinicalTranslational Phase I/II Trial
The Rob and Melani Walton Fund of the Walton Family Foundation The Spetzler Legacy Project CELEBRATING 34 YEARS OF DR. SPETZLER’S LEADERSHIP
Cancer Treatment Centers of America Deep Brain Stimulation Research Mr. and Mrs. Geoffrey H. Edmunds Stroke Research Mr. and Mrs. Curt Feuer Deep Brain Stimulation Research Fiesta Bowl Charities ImPACT Baseline Testing Mr. and Mrs. Michael R. Hecomovich The Spetzler Legacy Project Mrs. Gary J. Hewson Stroke Research Mr. David Larcher The Spetzler Legacy Project
Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation “Thank you, Dr. Spetzler” Initiative
St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center The Spetzler Legacy Project
Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Garcia Traumatic Brain Injury and Sports Neurology Fellowship
Penny & Robert Sarver Foundation Center for Transitional Neuro-Rehabilitation
Mr. and Mrs. Earl Petznick, Sr., Ms. Beverly Stewart, Mr. Earl Petznick, Jr. and Mr. Olen Petznick Stroke Research
Mr. and Mrs. Robert H. McKee Stroke Research
Dr. and Mrs. Volker K.H. Sonntag The Spetzler Legacy Project
Mr. and Mrs. Thomas O. Might “Thank you, Dr. Spetzler” Initiative
Dr. and Mrs. Robert F. Spetzler The Spetzler Legacy Project
Mr. and Mrs. Arte R. Moreno Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Mr. and Mrs. Ray R. Thurston Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center and “Thank you, Dr. Spetzler” Initiative
Mr. and Mrs. Scott M. Spangler Multiple Sclerosis Research
Mr. and Mrs. Jeffrey D. McKeever Headache and Migraine Research
Mr. and Mrs. Michael L. Watts Barrow Center for Neuromodulation
Why I Give “My family and I support stroke research because of our personal experience of living through the fear and the life-changing effects of a stroke. Knowing without a doubt we truly were receiving the finest care available made all the difference. We want to be part of making available that experience for others. We consider it a privilege to invest in furthering the cutting-edge research of stroke that will affect generations.” Pat Petznick WOMEN’S BOARD MEMBER, DONOR TO STROKE RESEARCH
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I need to
overcome this brain tumor and live to see my grandbabies play in the garden.
Barrow’s breakthrough testing helps identify the most powerful treatment for every brain tumor. At Barrow, we understand that each patient has a dream to cherish. When it comes to brain cancer, we have more experience treating tumors of the head and neck than any other medical center in the United States. BarrowNeuro.org /2ndOpinion
REJECTING NORMS
FIGHTING TO CHANGE PATIENT CARE
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T
HE BOB & RENEE PARSONS FOUNDATION
recently announced a $4-million gift to Barrow
Neurological Foundation, in continued support of the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center
(MAPC), to establish the Lonnie Ali Legacy Care Program. The gift underscores the Parsons’
PHOTO PROVIDED BY BIG YAM
commitment to improving care for patients treated at the center, as well as advancing research and education to benefit the medical community worldwide. “The Champ didn’t accept anything less than the very best in his fight against Parkinson’s,” says entrepreneur and philanthropist Bob Parsons. “This program will allow the center to give every patient the same level of personalized care that he received.” Through the Lonnie Ali Legacy Care Program, the medical staff at the MAPC will be able to provide a new level of support to those they serve. For patients, this includes multi-disciplinary care in their homes and the ability to communicate remotely with their physicians via video and telemedicine. Extending the care the center provides into patients’ homes has long been the vision of Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie Ali. “Lonnie shared with us her belief that everyone engaged in the fight against this debilitating disease should get the same attention and dedication from doctors and caregivers that her husband received,” says businesswoman and philanthropist Renee Parsons. “Bob and I are honored to help advance Lonnie’s vision of helping those who need it most.” Parkinson’s is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. It develops gradually, sometimes starting with a barely noticeable tremor in just one hand. But while a tremor may be the most wellknown sign of Parkinson’s, the disorder commonly causes stiffness and slowing of movement. It is estimated that up to 1 million Americans are affected with Parkinson’s and approximately 60,000 new cases are diagnosed each year. One out of every 100 people over the age of 60 is affected. Parkinson’s eventually results in significant loss of mobility and the inability to travel outside the home. The transformational $4-million gift was announced personally during Celebrity Fight Night XXIII by Bob, a close friend of Muhammad Ali, and brings the Parsons’ cumulative total to more than $9 million in support of the center. Established in 1997 by Muhammad Ali with founding director Abraham Lieberman, MD, and support from Celebrity Fight Night, MAPC is the nation’s most comprehensive center for Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders. The Parsons have worked closely with the center’s leadership in recent years to advance the care of those struggling with Parkinson’s. The formation of the Lonnie Ali Legacy Care Program is one more step in the fight to change the care and treatment of Parkinson’s and to one day beat this terrible disease.
The transformative $4-million gift will establish and support the Lonnie Ali Legacy Care Program— in honor of Muhammad Ali.
The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center offers robust outpatient rehabilitation and therapy options that can maximize a patient’s quality of life and independence. Our team of physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists have advanced training in the management of Parkinson’s disease and other movement disorders.
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ACCEP TING CHALLENGES
PAYING TRIBUTE AND ADVANCING ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE RESEARCH
A
S SUPPORTERS OF
Barrow Neurological Institute and friends of
Robert and Nancy Spetzler, Erin and John Gogolak knew that they
could trust Barrow Neurological Foundation to honor the memory of Erin’s
The McHugh family. Left to right: Jerome Jr., Christopher, June, Burke, Erin. Center: Anabel.
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father, Jerome McHugh, who passed away in April 2016. Jerome, better known as Jerry, grew up in Lee’s Summit, Missouri, attended Pembroke Country Day School as a scholarship student and graduated from Princeton University in 1951, where he majored in geology. After college, Jerry went to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to work as a staff geologist and in 1955 relocated to Denver to start his own oil and gas company, Nassau Resources. Through Jerry’s hard work and perseverance in oil and gas drilling and operations,
BARROW MAGAZINE / SPRING 2017
Nassau Resources grew into a successful company. For the last 15 years, Jerry had been caring for his wife, Anabel, who is living with Alzheimer’s disease. Up until the day he passed, Jerry accepted the challenges Alzheimer’s posed and was tender and loving to his wife of 60 years. “I know he was holding on for much longer than he should have, just to be there for her,” says Erin. Jerry’s family decided to establish a memorial fund to honor him and the love he showed for
Why I Give “We believe in Barrow Neurological Institute’s vision and incredible ability to create miracles for so many people in need. Making a legacy gift means that Barrow will be able to continue its research in some area of need that might not otherwise be met. We also hope this gift inspires the generosity of others. We want Barrow to continue to prosper, educate, research, cure diseases and always be the top neurological institute in the world, long into the future.” Sandy Hecomovich LEGACY DONOR
PHOTO PROVIDED BY ERIN GOGOLAK
their mother as she struggled with Alzheimer’s; they wanted the funds to go to Alzheimer’s research. Given their relationship with Barrow, “it was an easy decision to choose Barrow as the recipient,” says Erin. “Barrow’s reputation is impeccable. We knew the donations would be used as we intended.” A tribute fund in Jerry’s name was established at Barrow Neurological Foundation for Alzheimer’s research. The Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Disorders Program at Barrow is directed by Marwan Sabbagh, MD. Under Dr. Sabbagh’s leadership, the team is working to better understand Alzheimer’s, diagnose the disease earlier, develop new treatments to slow its progression and continue achieving milestones that will lead to a cure. Barrow offers patients high-quality care, the latest therapies, cutting-edge research and the most robust clinical trials program in Arizona. “Alzheimer’s is challenging for the person living with the disease, for their family and friends, for the medical field and for society as a whole,” says Dr. Sabbagh. “At Barrow, we are uniquely positioned to meet this challenge.” Jerry’s two most notable characteristics were his gregariousness and curiosity. He loved meeting new people and expressed a keen interest
Leaving a Legacy at Barrow in everyone he encountered. Jerry’s penchant for eliciting a person’s feelings, opinions and ambitions— coupled with his capacity to appreciate what another person had to say—were among his most unique and endearing attributes. Most importantly, Jerry’s love of life, family, friends and endeavors dear to him were always apparent. Jerry’s 88 years were full of ambition, meaning and love. As a tribute to the way Jerry lived his life and the impression he left on those who knew him, donations are being made in Jerry’s memory from all over the country. “I speak for the entire Barrow team in saying that we are proud to partner with Jerry’s family and all of those who want to honor him. Together we are facing the challenges of Alzheimer’s head-on,” says Dr. Sabbagh. “Huge advances and groundbreaking treatments are being developed that could offer real meaningful progress in slowing this debilitating disease.” To honor the memory of your own loved one, please call Barrow Neurological Foundation at 602.406.1027. Marwan Sabbagh, MD, is an expert in the diagnosis, treatment and research of Alzheimer’s disease and other memory disorders.
Y
ou can perpetuate Dr. Robert Spetzler’s legacy and create an amazing future for Barrow through a bequest to Barrow Neurological Foundation. A bequest is one of the easiest gifts to make and empowers you to further the innovative work of Barrow long into the future. Here are three examples of bequests for you to consider:
1. Charitable bequest A charitable bequest is written in a will or trust and directs a gift to be made to Barrow when you pass away. A charitable bequest can help you save estate taxes by providing your estate with a charitable deduction for the gift. A bequest can be made in several ways: » A gift of a percentage of your estate. » A gift of a specific asset. » A gift of the residue of your estate. » A gift of a specific dollar amount.
2. Bequest of an IRA A retirement asset like an IRA account makes an excellent bequest to Barrow. By designating Barrow as the beneficiary of part or all of your IRA, the full value of the gift is transferred tax-free at your death, and your estate receives a charitable deduction. If you wish to leave your IRA to your spouse at your death, you may also designate Barrow as the secondary beneficiary of your account. Contact your IRA or retirement account custodian to obtain a beneficiary designation form and make a bequest from your IRA.
3. Bequest of an insurance policy As an asset of your estate, an insurance policy is taxable at your death. However, if the policy is gifted to Barrow, your estate avoids paying tax on the value of the policy and receives a charitable deduction for the gift. You may generally name anyone as beneficiary of your insurance policy and change your designation at any time. Contact your insurance company to obtain a beneficiary designation form and make a bequest of your policy to Barrow. To learn more about leaving a legacy at Barrow, please contact Kristen Elnicky with the Barrow Neurological Foundation at Kristen.Elnicky@DignityHealth.org, call 602.406.1027 or visit SupportBarrow.org/ LegacyGiving. S U P P O RT B A R R O W.O R G
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Accept Challenges. Reject Norms. Push Boundaries.
The Spetzler Legacy Campaign Honor Dr. Spetzler’s 34 years of leadership at Barrow Neurological Institute. Call 602.406.5786 to continue his legacy.
SupportBarrow.org/SpetzlerLegacy 26
BARROW MAGAZINE / SPRING 2017
EMPLOYEE IGIVE CAMPAIGN
F
OR MORE THAN three decades, Barrow Neurological Institute has expanded and thrived under the leadership of world-renowned neurosurgeon Robert Spetzler, MD. Under his leadership and through the dedication of hundreds of employees, Barrow has become known throughout the Valley—and the world—as a leader in brain and spine patient care, research and medical education. iGive was established to empower employees to make an even bigger difference in the lives of patients served at Barrow and beyond. Employees are encouraged to donate whatever amount they can because all gifts are combined to ensure Barrow will offer the most advanced medical care possible. This year to honor and celebrate Dr. Spetzler’s well-deserved retirement, employees have the opportunity to make a gift to the Spetzler Legacy Campaign. This campaign will fund the development of a new state-of-the-art neuroscience center on the hospital campus and will provide a “front door” to Barrow. The new center will provide much-needed space for research and clinical services and will bring together the practices of neurosurgeons and neurologists for improved collaboration among specialists and for greater patient convenience and care. Through his many years of service at Barrow, Dr. Spetzler has impacted the lives of employees, medical students, patients and their loved ones, and countless other people in our community and throughout the world.
Employees can honor Dr. Spetzler’s career, celebrate his retirement, continue his legacy and make a lifesaving gift today at SupportBarrow.org/iGive.
“I donate to Barrow Neurological Foundation because I see the effects of research and innovations every day. We provide excellent patient care and continually strive toward the best possible outcomes for our patients. The advances brought about by research and technology and then translated to patient care by nurses, physicians and surgeons have supported those efforts every step of the way.” MARY KING, RN CLINICAL NURSE SPECIALIST, BNI APRN/NEURO CRITICAL CARE – RECENTLY RETIRED
“I participate in iGive because I am called to serve, like so many of my colleagues. Every person of the team is essential to our success, and that has been taught by Dr. Spetzler. He leads by example and has not only taught us that the possibilities of medical advances are endless, but the importance of healing the whole person and supporting our patients through their entire recovery. We are all called to serve; this is just one of the many ways I can do that.” RACHEL LOPEZ, PT, MPT NEUROLOGIC CERTIFIED SPECIALIST, BARROW REHABILITATION CENTER
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BARROW NEUROLOGICAL FOUNDATION STAFF Katie Cobb
Megan Monaghan-Hughes
PRESIDENT
COORDINATOR , DATABASE
Katherine.Cobb@DignityHealth.org
Megan.Monaghan-Hughes@DignityHealth.org
Kristen Elnicky
Robyn Nebrich-Duda
VICE PRESIDENT, OPERATIONS
DIRECTOR
Kristen.Elnicky@DignityHealth.org
Robyn.Nebrich-Duda@DignityHealth.org
Angela Braun
Deirdre Rivard
MANAGER OF PHILANTHROPY, WOMEN’S BOARD LIAISON
COORDINATOR
Angela.Braun@DignityHealth.org Alicia Cybulski FINANCIAL ANALYST
Alicia.Cybulski@DignityHealth.org Marilyn Dean COORDINATOR , DONOR RELATIONS
Marilyn.Dean@DignityHealth.org Mandy Heath MANAGER , PROSPECT DEVELOPMENT
Mandy.Heath@DignityHealth.org Alison Huebner STAFF WRITER
Alison.Huebner@DignityHealth.org Joyce Kalal MANAGER , ANNUAL GIVING
Joyce.Kalal@DignityHealth.org
Deirdre.Rivard@DignityHealth.org Kathleen Rubi SENIOR EVENT PLANNER
Kathleen.Rubi@DignityHealth.org Sandra Searle DIRECTOR
Sandra.Searle@DignityHealth.org Barbara Small EXECU TIVE ASSISTANT
Barbara.Small@DignityHealth.org Erik Stauber DIRECTOR , HEALTH & WEALTH RAFFLE
Erik.Stauber@DignityHealth.org Karen Thorn DIRECTOR
Karen.Thorn@DignityHealth.org
Keith Kerber MANAGER
Keith.Kerber@DignityHealth.org
Barrow Neurological Foundation’s fundraising professionals can assist you in fulfilling your philanthropic goals. Please call our office at 602.406.3041 or email one of the individuals above to discuss the many ways to support the programs and services of Barrow Neurological Institute. Our offices are located at 124 W. Thomas Rd., Suite 250. We are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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THE GOLDEN AGE OF BARROW
F
OR THE PAST 34 YEARS I have had the honor to lead the many talented physicians, researchers, nurses, therapists and other medical professionals who make Barrow Neurological Institute what it is.
I am humbled by the graciousness of Barrow’s staff, patients and dedicated supporters. I have had the great fortune of working with an outstanding team and some of the best surgeons and neurologists in the world. I am particularly indebted to the thousands of patients who have entrusted their care into my hands. Their journey has been a significant part of my life—with the reward of helping many and the sadness when our best efforts failed. After an extensive national search, in which our team considered the foremost names in neurosurgery, Michael Lawton, MD, was offered and accepted the position of the next president and CEO of Barrow Neurological Institute, starting in July 2017. I know that I am leaving Barrow in excellent and capable hands; I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Dr. Lawton since he finished medical school at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and came to Barrow for his residency. He then went to the University of California, San Francisco, where his academic career flourished and he became vice-chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery. We are delighted that he is coming full circle and returning home to where his professional journey began. He is an exceptionally qualified and gifted neurosurgeon and a thoughtful leader. We are indeed fortunate to have him at the helm. I believe we are just entering the golden age of Barrow, and the institute—with its commitment to research, education and excellence in patient care—will be at the forefront of finding answers to some of the most devastating neurological conditions. Barrow’s story has just begun, and we can all continue to look forward to great things from the Barrow team. Now, as the next chapter of Barrow begins, I ask for your continued support and dedication to Barrow Neurological Institute so that Dr. Lawton and our talented staff can continue to accept challenges, reject norms and push boundaries. Thank you for being part of our team. Sincerely,
Robert F. Spetzler, MD PRESIDENT AND CEO BARROW NEUROLOGICAL INSTITU TE
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