Barrow Neurological Foundation Appoints Sharon Stone Trustee

Mike Hecomovich named Chair and Dr. Mitchel Sayare named Vice-Chair

PHOENIX (June 17, 2021) – Barrow Neurological Foundation is pleased to announce Sharon Stone as a member of its Board of Trustees. The Emmy and Golden Globe Award and Nobel Peace Summit Award Recipient, New York Times Best-Selling Author and activist is especially passionate about brain research, as she credits Barrow President and CEO and Chair of the Department of Neurosurgery, Dr. Michael T. Lawton, for saving her life.

“The majority of people who go through what happened to me do not survive, let alone recover. I’m able to be here today walking and talking because of Dr. Lawton,” said Stone, expressing her gratitude for the Barrow doctor.

In September 2001, Stone suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm that led to a massive stroke. Time was running out and her chances of surviving surgery were slim, only about 1%, but Dr. Lawton decided to take the chance and completed the surgery successfully, saving Stone’s life. She never forgot that. Since her near brush with death, Stone has become a strong advocate for brain health and warning women of the risks of stroke. She is now taking her dedication to supporting brain research one step further as a member of the Foundation’s Board.

“Our dedicated Board of Trustees has propelled our foundation through the challenges of the pandemic, and as we look forward to expanding our footprint around the nation and the world, having an accomplished and passionate ambassador like Sharon Stone join our board only accelerates our ability to help Barrow Neurological Institute save lives,” stated Katie Cobb, President of Barrow Neurological Foundation. “We are beyond fortunate to be able to benefit from Sharon’s strength, courage and commitment in the face of adversity and will benefit greatly as she aids us in tackling some of the greatest neurological diseases in the world today.”

Stone’s appointment to the Board also coincides with the appointment of a new Board Chair and Vice-Chair.

Outgoing Chair David Rauch provided remarkable leadership over the past two years, strengthening the Board and helping Barrow Neurological Foundation emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic even stronger. His guidance has helped Barrow, through philanthropy, continue to provide exceptional patient care despite challenging circumstances.

Incoming Chair Mike Hecomovich was the founder and Chairman/CEO of Global Marketing Services, the exclusive sales and marketing organization that represented IBM Printing Supplies in North and South America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific for ten years. He is the co-founder of VitaVirtual, a Virtual Spine Wellness Company located in Scottsdale, Arizona. Currently, Mike serves as a Trustee on the U.S. Naval Academy Foundation Board [A&SP], is Chairman Emeritus of the Fiesta Bowl Board of Directors, and previously served as Vice-Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Thunderbird School of Global Management. 

Incoming Vice-Chair Dr. Mitchel Sayare was the co-founder, Chairman and CEO of NASDAQ-listed ImmunoGen, Inc. (IMGN), a billion-dollar biotechnology company focused on developing anti-cancer drugs. Dr. Sayare serves on the boards of several for-profit companies, including Altimmune, of which he is also Executive Chairman; Advanced Aesthetic Technologies and Boston IVF. He is also a member of the Dean’s Council at ASU’s W.P. Carey School of Business and is co-founder of the ASU Health Futures Council.

About Barrow Neurological Foundation

Barrow Neurological Foundation raises awareness and funds for patient care, medical education and research offered at Barrow Neurological Institute. Barrow is an internationally recognized leader in neurology, neurosurgery and neuroscience research, treating patients with a wide range of conditions, including brain and spinal tumors, neuromuscular diseases, aneurysms, stroke, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, cleft and craniofacial disorders, concussion and brain injuries, and more.

Click here For more information on the Barrow Neurological Foundation board of trustees