Our Mission
Who We Are
Barrow Neurological Foundation is dedicated to providing the resources for Barrow Neurological Institute to fulfill its mission of saving and changing lives. This is possible through philanthropy. When you give to Barrow, 100 percent of your donation goes toward advancing cutting-edge research, training future neuroscience specialists, and, most importantly, providing hope to patients facing debilitating brain and spine conditions. As a Barrow donor, your support reaches far and wide, touching the lives of patients and their families, medical professionals, and the broader community.
Barrow Neurological Foundation is one of the leading foundations among the over 80 in the CommonSpirit system, increasing overall philanthropy each year. We were named the CommonSpirit Health Foundation of the Year in 2020 and received the largest gift award in 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024.
Barrow Neurological Institute
Barrow Neurological Institute at Dignity Health St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix, Arizona is an international leader in the treatment, research, and education of brain and spinal diseases, conditions, and injuries. Led by Barrow President and CEO Michael T. Lawton, MD, one of the world’s top neurosurgeons, the Institute is one of the busiest centers for neurology and neurosurgery in the United States.
Newsweek ranks Barrow as one of the best specialty hospitals in the world for both neurosurgery and neurology, while also being ranked as one of the top neurological hospitals in the world overall. In addition, U.S. News & World Report consistently ranks Barrow as a top center for neuro-rehabilitation in the country. We are certified by The Joint Commission in Comprehensive Stroke. Barrow boasts a Level I trauma center, CARF-accredited neuro-rehabilitation programs, and more certified neuroscience registered nurses (CNRN) than any other hospital in the world. Highly regarded for neuroscience education for decades, Barrow is ranked first in the nation by Doximity for its neurosurgery residency program and 45th for neurology.
Barrow has contributed to many breakthroughs in neuroscience and neurosurgery, including refining the cardiac standstill procedure, isolating the gene for the inherited form of cerebral cavernous malformations, and pioneering thoracoscopic spinal surgery. We are a leader in harnessing innovative technologies and procedures, such as minimally invasive spine surgery, microscopic techniques, and robotic spine surgery.