Founded
1965
Dear Friends of Barrow Neurological Institute, The Women’s Board of the Barrow Neurological Foundation launches its 53rd year of fundraising with the confidence of a lasting legacy and the promise of new leadership. Michael T. Lawton, MD, comes to Barrow Neurological Institute with 18 years of experience as chief of vascular neurosurgery at the University of California, San Francisco. Earlier in his career, Dr. Lawton completed his residency at Barrow, including a cerebrovascular fellowship under Robert F. Spetzler, MD. Dr. Lawton is working tirelessly to prioritize innovation and research goals. By providing active support to every clinician, Dr. Lawton expects to further distinguish Barrow and continue to attract the finest talent to the institute. The Women’s Board supports these goals by raising funds that directly impact research. Barrow is driving innovation within existing treatment areas, while investing in translational research and medical training. The push to innovate is already showing promise, with the creation of two new centers: (1) artificial intelligence, and (2) aneurysm and arteriovenous malformations (AVM). Barrow’s center for artificial intelligence will harness computing technology and deep learning techniques to analyze and improve the practice of medicine. This will be accomplished by building clinical databases, analyzing cost, value and efficiency metrics, and developing diagnostic tools that improve the patient experience. This center will enhance Barrow’s strategic position in an increasingly competitive business environment. The Barrow Aneurysm & AVM Research Center expects early success, due to the high volume of patients who currently seek treatment at Barrow for aneurysms and AVMs. Dr. Lawton and Barrow are uniquely positioned to capitalize on this patient population and the resulting wealth of clinical material. Critical mass has brought leading research scientists, such as S. Paul Oh, PhD, to Barrow, further strengthening the center. The Women’s Board has identified critical areas of research: artificial intelligence, aneurysms and AVMs, neuroscience, brain tumor, stroke, Parkinson’s disease, deep brain stimulation, headache and migraine, Alzheimer’s disease and the Spetzler Legacy Project. We hope that you will be inspired to make a gift to Barrow Neurological Foundation through the 2018 Barrow Grand Ball to help fund these important priorities and support Dr. Lawton’s vision for the future of Barrow. Your contribution will fund critical research that will save lives of patients diagnosed with the most debilitating neurological conditions, and alter the trajectory of chronic disease. Sincerely,
Jan Cacheris 2018 Barrow Grand Ball Co-Chairman Women’s Board of the Barrow Neurological Foundation
Carrie Hall 2018 Barrow Grand Ball Co-Chairman Women’s Board of the Barrow Neurological Foundation
2018 Barrow Grand Ball Donor Levels The 2018 Barrow Grand Ball continues the long tradition of bringing together a group of Barrow Neurological Foundation’s most important supporters in the splendor of the Arizona Biltmore Grand Ballroom. We hope you will join us on January 20, 2018. Thank you for making your reservation and committing your support at this time. Individual seats are available through the ball invitation, mailed in mid-November, based on availability.
Barrow Grand Ball 2018 Donor Levels c Chief of Staff
$100,000 customized recognition, specific project, 10 seats
c Barrow Dean
$50,000
specific project, 10 seats
c White Coat Fellow $25,000
specific project, 10 seats
c Barrow Scholar
$15,000
2 seats
c Brain Trust
$10,000
2 seats
c Barrow Wheel
$5,000
2 seats
Name___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Title
First
Middle initial
Last
Address_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ City_________________________________________________ State__________ Zip_____________ Phone__________________________________ Email address___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Please list your name as you would like it to appear in the program: _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ c Please seat me at the table of ________________________________________________________________________________________________. c Please seat me at a no-host table. c Please reserve a table for 10 in my name. When you receive your invitation, please list your guests on your RSVP card. c My/our regrets are expressed with the enclosed donation of $_______________________________________________________________. c Enclosed is my payment of $____________________________ for ___________ reservations. Please make checks payable to the Women’s Board BNF and return to: Mrs. Richard A. Rector, 5921 East Indian Bend Road, Paradise Valley, Arizona 85253 I wish to pay by: c Visa
c Master Card
c American Express
c Discover
c Stock Transfer
Name as it appears on card_______________________________________________________________________________________________________ Signature _______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Credit card #________________________________________________________________ Exp. Date_____________________ CVV________________
Stroke Why This Research A stroke occurs when blood flow to an area of the brain is blocked, depriving brain cells of the oxygen and glucose needed for survival. There are two types of strokes: ischemic strokes (87 percent of strokes) and hemorrhagic strokes (13 percent). An ischemic stroke occurs when an artery 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. Barrow Neurological Institute’s team of experts conducts more clinical stroke treatment and prevention research than any other institution in the region. With active participation in these and other clinical stroke research trials, Barrow stroke leaders have the very latest knowledge of new stroke therapies and can discuss the best treatment options for stroke patients.
The Opportunity
Michael Waters, MD, PhD, director of the Neurovascular Division and Stroke Program at Barrow Neurological Institute
Michael Waters, MD, PhD, is revolutionizing stroke care, developing a new paradigm in stroke prevention, treatment and rehabilitation offered at Barrow. The new Barrow Emergency Stroke Treatment Unit brings the medical team to the stroke patient. This innovative emergency unit, the first in the Southwest, provides Barrow with the capability to capture early data at the most critical time in diagnosis and treatment for stroke patients. Barrow has become a leader in stroke research and care, and one of the first hospitals in the country to test the effectiveness of this new approach to stroke treatment.
Points of Pride • The Barrow Stroke Program is one of the most experienced and expert stroke programs in the country, caring for more stroke patients than any other center in the southwestern United States. • Barrow has a long history of caring for stroke. In 1983, Barrow opened the first stroke unit in Arizona and, in 2007, became the first medical center in the state to earn accreditation as a primary stroke center from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. • Barrow is internationally recognized for its care of aneurysms, arteriovenous malformations and cavernous malformations. These are major causes of hemorrhagic stroke. Patients come from around the country and the world for Barrow’s innovative treatments for these and other cerebrovascular disorders.
Continued
• Dr. Waters is involved in National Institutes of Healthfunded clinical trials related to stroke prevention, acute stroke therapy and neuroimaging in stroke. • In July 2017, the Barrow Emergency Stroke Treatment Unit was unveiled in partnership with the Phoenix Fire Department. This state-of-the-art mobile emergency room brings stroke care directly to the patient—dramatically accelerating the process in which strokes are diagnosed and treated, and greatly reducing death and long-term disability in stroke patients.
Spetzler Legacy Project Why This Project A gift to the Spetzler Legacy Project will benefit patients at Barrow Neurological Institute far into the future. This exciting project addresses a central component of Robert Spetzler’s, MD, vision for Barrow’s future—creation of an integrated, centralized space that brings together clinical research, neurology and neurosurgery for improved staff collaboration, enhanced patient care and increased research space. This important initiative will position Barrow for future growth and accomplishment, while honoring Dr. Spetzler for his long and dedicated service.
The Opportunity Since opening in 1962, Barrow has grown from a fledgling neuroscience center into one of the largest and most respected centers for brain and spine disorders in the world. Barrow is at the forefront of finding answers to such devastating disorders as brain tumors, Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, stroke, degenerative disc disease, traumatic brain injury and cerebrovascular disease.
Robert F. Spetzler, MD, former president and CEO of Barrow Neurological Institute
Dr. Spetzler has identified the investments needed to maintain Barrow’s leadership role in the neurosciences far beyond his years as Barrow’s leader. An important priority for Dr. Spetzler is the construction of a five-story building that will serve as the heart of Barrow. The new 150,000-square-foot building on the west side of Third Avenue will accomplish the following: • Provide a front door for Barrow, increasing patient and staff convenience. • Enhance the patient experience by providing both clinical care and clinical research trials in one well-designed facility. • Foster dynamic synergies among neurologists, neurosurgeons and clinical researchers by housing them in an integrated building. • Drive medical discovery by increasing research laboratory space.
Points of Pride • Barrow is one of the leading neuroscience centers in the United States. The institute is respected for the depth of its brain and spine programs and the excellence of its patient care, biomedical research and medical education. Continued
• Barrow is home to nationally recognized centers of excellence. These include the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center, the Gregory W. Fulton ALS and Neuromuscular Disorders Center, the Barrow Center for Neuromodulation and the Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center. • Barrow physicians and scientists have developed procedures, technologies and diagnostic tools that are used around the world. Research at Barrow is improving outcomes for patients in Arizona and beyond. • The Barrow neurosurgery residency program is the most sought-after in the nation by rising stars in the field of neurosurgery. • Barrow performs more brain and spine surgeries than any other hospital in the country. About 5,000 neurosurgical procedures are performed each year at Barrow.
Brain Tumor Why This Research A brain tumor is one of the most devastating of all brain disorders. The Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center (BBTRC) is actively involved in innovative neuro-oncology research, working to avoid an often tragic prognosis. Although funding from the National Institutes of Health and the National Cancer Institute has dropped precipitously in recent years, the BBTRC has grown to become one of the nation’s largest and most productive centers dedicated to neuro-oncology research—thanks to donors like you. Private seed money is vital because it encourages acquisition of grant money, enabling groundbreaking research.
The Opportunity
Nader Sanai, MD, director of the Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center at Barrow Neurological Institute
Brain tumor research is resulting in innovative new treatments, and patients are benefitting from recent discoveries. Examples include: activating the body’s own immune system to attack brain cancer cells, and harnessing the power of stem cells to infiltrate brain tumors. That being said, high costs and slow pace of research continue to stifle innovation. The BBTRC is working to fast-track cutting-edge therapies. The center has established laboratories— each led by rising pioneers in brain tumor research—in which scientists investigate separate but interconnected avenues of brain tumor biology. Their collective goal is to expedite the pace of discovery, improve outcomes for patients with brain tumors and, ultimately, find a cure.
Points of Pride • BBTRC scientists and investigators, under the direction of Nader Sanai, MD, have launched the Brain Tumor Phase 0 Clinical Trials Program, the first of its kind in the country. This revolutionary fast-track approach to cancer research shortens the evaluation of new drugs from an average of five years to only six months, eliminating ineffective drugs from further development and identifying the drugs that work in Continued
individual patients. During a Phase 0 Clinical Trial, a participant is administered the drug under investigation. Within hours, Barrow neurosurgeons remove the patient’s brain tumor. The tumor is evaluated to assess the experimental drug’s success in penetrating the tumor and its effect on the tumor. If the drug is proven effective, the patient continues its use. • Barrow leads the field in surgical trials, where surgeons develop new strategies in the operating room. More than 200 Barrow patients have participated in the nation’s first Phase III Trial for florescence-guided brain tumor surgery. This BBTRCled research study is examining the effectiveness of a specialized drug that, when ingested by patients, induces their brain tumor to glow with red fluorescence, enabling neurosurgeons to identify and remove more tumor cells than ever before. • BBTRC is partnering with a local biotechnology company, Caris Life Sciences, to assemble the largest brain tumor biomarker program in the United States. A biomarker is a molecular or genetic signature of a tumor. They are important in early diagnosis of disease, measurement of disease progress, determination of the most effective treatment for a particular individual, and evaluation of treatment effectiveness. No program profiles more patients than Barrow, enabling the institute to lead the field in determining how best to incorporate this information into clinical care. • The Laboratory of Glial Tumor Biology, headed by Shwetal Mehta, PhD, studies the biology of tumor cells in order to find better ways of genetically targeting them. Dr. Mehta’s research focuses on a protein called olig2, which is expressed in stem cells in the brain. Olig2 is present in malignant brain tumors, where it blocks the function of a tumor suppressor gene and, thus, allows tumor cells to proliferate out of control. • The Laboratory for Nanomedicine, headed by Rachael Sirianni, PhD, is developing innovative methods for transporting cancer drugs across the blood-brain barrier. The blood-brain barrier prevents most drugs from penetrating the brain, hindering efforts to destroy brain tumors with cancerkilling medications. Scientists in this laboratory are encapsulating pharmaceuticals into nanoparticles that can pass through the barrier, reach the target and release the drug.
Neuroscience Why This Research Supporting neuroscience research is the most flexible and valuable way donors can support Barrow Neurological Institute, allowing scientists to meet new challenges and take advantage of opportunities as they arise. Your gift to the neurosciences helps launch critical research that investigates new and powerful therapies to treat a wide spectrum of neurological disorders—from brain and spine injuries to aggressive forms of cancer to debilitating diseases such as ALS, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Many donors choose to support specific programs and services that meet their areas of interest and personal goals, and these gifts are valuable and essential to Barrow’s mission. But the power of making a gift to the whole of Barrow’s neuroscience research is immeasurable. It ensures that support is available where and when it is needed most so scientists can continue to translate research into the care provided to Barrow patients.
The Opportunity Ronald J. Lukas, PhD, vice president of research at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center, oversees all research conducted at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Barrow Neurological Institute
Ronald J. Lukas, PhD, vice president of research, oversees all neuroscience research conducted at Barrow. Under his leadership, numerous Barrow scientists and their research have been recognized nationally and internationally. The diversity of research projects conducted at Barrow is illustrated below—and neuroscience funding went to each of these important areas. Without general research funds Barrow scientists would not be able to investigate the development of Alzheimer’s disease, study how diet can reduce seizures, learn how to treat multiple sclerosis by tuning on and off brain receptors, identify ALS genes, and a host of other amazing and life changing discoveries that happen at Barrow every day. Continued
2017 Neuroscience Funding
1% 2% 6% 13%
31%
15% 29% Neuroscience Labs Neurosurgery Neurology Administration Neuro-oncology Neuropathology Fellowships Outreach Neurobiology Neuropsychology Neuroimaging
Points of Pride • Several Barrow labs are investigating solutions to traumarelated conditions that leave patients partially or fully paralyzed. Studies performed at Barrow help surgeons decide how best to treat patients to reduce pain and improve movement through surgery and neurorehabilitation. Funding will also allow researchers to design new devices for invasive and noninvasive treatments and procedures, helping patients to recover more quickly from spine and brain disorders. • Over the past decade, advances in imaging technology have contributed to major breakthroughs in diagnosing and treating numerous neurological conditions, unlocking discoveries in biology and medicine. Integrating these findings into advanced treatment of disease is an ongoing research focus. • Barrow scientists are at the forefront of neurodegenerative disease research targeting Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS, dementia and many other conditions.
Artificial Intelligence, Aneurysms and Arteriovenous Malformations The Future of Barrow After an international search spanning multiple years, Michael T. Lawton, MD, was selected to succeed Robert F. Spetzler, MD, as Barrow Neurological Institute’s president and CEO. Prior to arriving at Barrow, Dr. Lawton held the Tong-Po Kan Endowed Chair and served as the 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 during his 18-year career at UCSF. 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 teaching resident courses and in Mission: BRAIN, an educational endeavor to raise the level of neurosurgical technique practiced in developing countries. Michael T. Lawton, MD, president and CEO of Barrow Neurological Institute
After graduating from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine in 1990, Dr. Lawton completed a neurosurgery residency and a fellowship in cerebrovascular/skull-base surgery at Barrow, studying under Dr. Spetzler, and a second fellowship in endovascular surgery at UCSF.
Continued
The Opportunity Dr. Lawton’s mission is to move Barrow from an institute of icons, to an iconic institution. With philanthropic support, Barrow can deliver high-value, world-class neurosurgery to patients throughout the world, while inspiring translational research and innovative training. During his tenure at Barrow Dr. Lawton aims to develop a center for artificial intelligence and a center for aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation research. Barrow’s center for artificial intelligence will harness computing technology and deep learning techniques to analyze and improve the practice of medicine. This will be accomplished by building clinical databases, analyzing cost, value and efficiency metrics, and developing diagnostic tools that improve the patient experience. The center for aneurysm and arteriovenous malformation research is already well on its way at Barrow, due to the high number of patients who seek treatment here for these disorders. Barrow is in a unique position to capitalize on this patient population and wealth of clinical material to then discover their cause, prevention, treatment and cure.
Points of Pride • Dr. Lawton conducts basic science research into the formation, underlying genetics and rupture of brain arteriovenous malformations, as well as the hemodynamics, rupture and computational modeling of brain aneurysms. • Dr. Lawton has published more than 400 peer-reviewed articles, more than 70 book chapters, and three textbooks. He has given more than 600 invited lectures nationally and internationally.
Alzheimer’s Disease Founded
1965
Why This Research Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that damages and eventually destroys brain cells, leading to memory loss and changes in thinking and other brain functions. It usually develops slowly and gradually gets worse as brain function declines and brain cells eventually wither and die. Ultimately, Alzheimer’s is fatal, and currently, there is no cure. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, as many as 5.2 million people in the United States are living with Alzheimer’s today, and 10 million baby boomers will develop it in their lifetime. That’s why benefactor support is more critical than ever to help Barrow Neurological Institute develop new research into Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
The Opportunity At Barrow, research and treatment for Alzheimer’s and other cognitive disorders are intertwined into one program to provide the best possible care for patients. Barrow scientists are exploring Alzheimer’s disease biomarkers, performing groundbreaking research on immunotherapy studies, and building a clinical trials program to better understand the ways Alzheimer’s and cognitive disorders damage the brain. Marwan Sabbagh, MD, director of the Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Disorders Program at Barrow Neurological Institute
To prepare for the growing Alzheimer’s epidemic, Barrow recently added two nationally recognized Alzheimer’s specialists to its staff—one, a laboratory scientist, and the other, a neurologist-clinical researcher. The two scientists are leaders in their fields and will bolster Barrow’s already considerable research efforts in the area of neurodegenerative disease. The Women’s Board of the Barrow Neurological Foundation has selected the research of Marwan Sabbagh, MD, as its Special Project for the 2018 Barrow Grand Ball. Dr. Sabbagh is one of Arizona’s most admired and respected Alzheimer’s disease physicians and scientists. Under his leadership, the doctors and scientists are working to better understand Alzheimer’s, to diagnose the disease earlier, develop new treatments to slow its progression, and continue achieving milestones that will, someday, lead to a cure.
Points of Pride • Dr. Sabbagh, a nationally recognized neurologist, recently joined Barrow’s staff as the director of the Barrow Alzheimer’s and Cognitive Disorders Program. Considered one of the leading experts in Alzheimer’s and dementia, Dr. Sabbagh has dedicated his career to finding a cure for age-related
Continued
neurodegenerative diseases. He is a leading investigator in many prominent Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment trials, including immunotherapy studies. • Elliott Mufson, PhD, a highly respected Alzheimer’s and dementia researcher, has joined the Barrow team. Dr. Mufson is a pioneer in the application of single cell gene array technology to study the genetic signature of neurons during the progression of Alzheimer’s. He has published 292 peer-reviewed articles and more than 40 book chapters, and has been recognized as one of the 100 most highly cited researchers in neuroscience. • Researcher Qiang Liu, MD, PhD, and Dr. Mufson are studying how to boost a patient’s immune system to battle amyloid. Although brain inflammation has been demonstrated as part of Alzheimer’s, it’s still unclear by what mechanisms brain inflammation impacts disease progression and to what extent therapeutically targeting inflammation can help. The outcomes of this research will expand current understanding of brain inflammation in Alzheimer’s and pave the way to enhance beneficial immune pathways to help patients. • Ashley Stokes, PhD, a researcher, is working to advance MRI metrics that can identify changes in the brain that are vascular or metabolic biomarkers in order to allow for earlier intervention for patients with Alzheimer’s. Currently the only scan that shows changes in the brain from Alzheimer’s is a PET scan, but it can only detect changes later in the disease progression, when neurons and brain tissue have already been lost. Through advancing MRI technology Dr. Stokes is looking to identify earlier indicators, understanding that changes in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients is often 20 to 25 years prior to loss of memory. • Jiong Shi, MD, leads a team that discovered a biomarker for Alzheimer’s—pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP). This neuropeptide, which provides nutrition and protection to nerve cells in the brain, is reduced in the diseased brain regions of patients with Alzheimer’s. Barrow scientists are investigating how PACAP could be used in early diagnosis of the disease and whether increasing PACAP levels in the brain could treat Alzheimer’s.
Headache and Migraine Why This Research To date, there are multiple theories about how and why migraines occur. Current evidence supports a mechanism involving bursts of activity of specific brain cells called neurons, followed by a period of inactivity, called cortical spreading depression, starting within the brain cells and then spreading to the nearby blood vessels. At this point, migraine patients are diagnosed based on their history and clinical features. There is no objective test to help obtain a definitive diagnosis for migraines. The neurologists at Barrow Neurological Institute want to change this. If biomarkers for migraines are identified, it would make diagnosis easier and would help physicians customize migraine treatments for specific patients. With additional research funding, the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program at Barrow will focus on creating a more thorough understanding of the causes and course of this ailment. The program will provide patients with access to the latest in clinical medicine while offering them and their families and caregivers educational support in managing the disease.
The Opportunity
Kerry Knievel, DO, director of the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program at Barrow Neurological Institute
At the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program, expert headache doctors have the tools and knowledge to accurately diagnose migraines and other headaches, as well as the experience and technology to minimize their effects on a patient’s daily life. Kerry Knievel, DO, and her team of neurologists who specialize in migraines, headaches, and headache disorders are adept at finding relief for headaches regardless of their cause. Her team can tailor a migraine or headache treatment plan for the unique features of a patient’s diagnosis. Barrow’s leadership, neurologists and dedicated supporters want to establish a world-class clinical and basic research center for headache and migraine that includes clinical programs, clinical trials, research and patient support. A team of neurologists and scientists, led by Dr. Knievel and Jeremy Shefner, MD, PhD, is in the preliminary stages of collecting data that is crucial in developing the future tests, research and grant applications that are necessary to grow and develop a world-class center.
Continued
Points of Pride • The Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program was made possible through the generosity of Jan and Tom Lewis, and their continuing commitment to provide matching funds. Jan, a member of the Women’s Board and migraine sufferer, wanted to establish the program because of the outstanding care she receives from Dr. Knievel, her involvement in the Women’s Board and her desire to help others. • Currently Dr. Knievel is conducting three clinical trials— two of which study migraines. Recruiting research scientists to the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program would allow current studies to be expanded, and additional trials, such as the migraine biomarker study, to begin. Dr. Knievel wants to expand both the number and scope of clinical trials, as well as engage in basic translational research to understand the genetic, environmental or inflammatory triggers that might cause migraines and other headaches. • Dr. Knievel sees 20 to 30 patients a day and every month 20 to 30 new patients come to the clinic for her expertise. • Dr. Knievel uses a multidisciplinary approach for all headache and migraine disorders. This approach includes: neurology, neurosurgery, neuro-ophthalmology, and psychology, an infusion center for treatment of refractory headaches to avoid emergency department visits, Botox and other groundbreaking headache treatments.
Deep Brain Stimulation Why This Research Deep brain stimulation is changing the lives of people with previously untreatable brain conditions. This therapy—a type of neuromodulation—can relieve the tremors, stiffness and slowness of Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor and dystonia, and may be effective in treating Alzheimer’s disease and other brain disorders. Barrow Neurological Institute’s Center for Neuromodulation opened in 2011 to explore and expand the use of deep brain stimulation and other types of neuromodulation. Neuromodulation refers to treatments that restore or improve function by correcting abnormal electrical or chemical activity in the brain. Neuromodulation can be achieved in traditional ways via medication and through new approaches using nanotechnologies and genetic engineering.
Francisco Ponce, MD, director of the Barrow Center for Neuromodulation at Barrow Neurological Institute
Deep brain stimulation uses electrical stimulation to correct abnormal rhythms in the brain, much as a cardiac pacemaker does for the heart. During a deep brain stimulation procedure, the surgeon implants an electrode into a target area of the brain and connects the electrode to a neurostimulator implanted in the chest. The Barrow Center for Neuromodulation is the only center in the country that performs the entire procedure in one operation, implanting the electrode in the brain and the neurostimulator in the chest wall during the same surgery. This approach—along with a concierge program that guides patients through the deep brain stimulation process—illustrates the center’s commitment to exceptional care.
The Opportunity The Barrow Center for Neuromodulation—perhaps more than any other center in Barrow’s history—has the potential to usher in a new era of therapeutic solutions for devastating brain disorders. A gift to this center helps patients with difficult-to-treat disorders such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Researchers in the center are exploring deep brain stimulation, a type of neuromodulation that has proven Continued
effective in easing the symptoms of movement disorders—and that also shows great promise in treating Alzheimer’s and other brain disorders.
Points of Pride • Francisco Ponce, MD, director of the Barrow Center for Neuromodulation, is the nation’s leading deep brain stimulation surgeon. Dr. Ponce has performed more deep brain stimulation surgeries than any other surgeon in the country, over 660. • Barrow has performed deep brain stimulation for Parkinson’s disease since the 1990s. Barrow has emerged as an international leader in the field. • The Barrow Center for Neuromodulation is a forerunner in asleep deep brain stimulation, an effective alternative to traditional awake deep brain stimulation for many patients. Dr. Ponce was the second surgeon in the nation to perform asleep deep brain stimulation, and today 55 percent of patients at Barrow choose the asleep option for its greater comfort. Research at Barrow has validated the effectiveness of asleep deep brain stimulation. • Dr. Ponce played a leading role in the nation’s first clinical study of the use of deep brain stimulation in treating Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Ponce performed 13 surgeries for the ADvance Study, a trial exploring the effectiveness of stimulating the fornix (a key nerve tract in brain memory circuits) in Alzheimer’s patients with cognitive decline.
Parkinson’s Disease Why This Research Parkinson’s disease involves the malfunction and death of vital nerve cells in the brain, called neurons. Some of these dying neurons produce dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. As Parkinson’s progresses, the amount of dopamine produced in the brain decreases, leaving a person unable to control movement normally. While a tremor may be the most well-known sign of Parkinson’s, the disorder also commonly causes stiffness and slowing of movement, problems with balance and cognitive decline. 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.
The Opportunity The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center is involved in 15 clinical trials and several research studies, ranging from the efficacy of exercise, to the improvement of brain imaging, to the development of new drug therapies. Barrow Neurological Institute researchers are making great strides in treating the symptoms of Parkinson’s, and making progress toward slowing or halting the disease. Experts predict positive outcomes within the next five years. Holly Shill, MD, director of the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center at Barrow Neurological Institute
Seed money is essential, to fund initial research that allows Barrow to qualify for both government grants and corporate funding, leading to new treatment methods, therapies, improved quality of life and, possibly, a cure.
Continued
Points of Pride • Established in 1997 by Muhammad Ali, Phoenix philanthropist Jimmy Walker, and Abraham Lieberman, MD, the Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center has grown into the most comprehensive Parkinson’s disease center in the world. • The Muhammad Ali Parkinson Center has been designated a National Parkinson Foundation Center of Excellence. This is a prestigious honor shared with only 42 other cutting edge organizations world-wide. • The center is home to The Bob and Renee Parsons Fall Prevention Center; which was created to discover the causes of falling, to educate patients’ and their families on these causes, and to develop preventive and remedial treatments. • Currently, the center sees more than 1,000 new patients a year and has more than 14,000 patient visits a year— drawing patients from the entire United States, Canada, Mexico and worldwide.
The Women’s Board of the Barrow Neurological Foundation Each year, the Women’s Board of the Barrow Neurological Foundation presents the iconic Barrow Grand Ball to raise funds for research, 1965 medical education and clinical services at Barrow Neurological Institute. To date, the Grand Ball, always a sold-out event, has raised a total of $58.6 million. Founded
Supporters of Barrow have an opportunity to donate to the institute by making a contribution through the Barrow Grand Ball. Described herein are priority areas of support. Contributions may be made as a single gift or as a multi-year commitment. Benefactors are recognized in the Barrow Grand Ball program and in other donorrecognition communications. To discuss direct funding opportunities or for more information, please contact:
2018 Barrow Ball Co-Chairman Carrie Hall, 2018 Board Chairman Ann Denk and 2018 Barrow Ball Co-Chairman Jan Cacheris
2018 Barrow Grand Ball Co-Chairmen Jan Cacheris 602.571.7701 Jan@WarneCo.net Carrie Hall 602.697.5653 CHall@CHallAndAssociates.com Major Gifts Officer and Women’s Board Liaison at Barrow Neurological Foundation Angela Braun 480.212.3417 Angela.Braun@BarrowNeuro.org