Barrow Women’s Board raises $3 million through 2018 Grand Ball

The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation raised $3 million for Barrow Neurological Institute through the 2018 Barrow Grand Ball. Held on January 20 at the Arizona Biltmore, and co-chaired by Jan Cacheris and Carrie Hall, the Ball celebrated the philanthropic achievements of the Women’s Board. This year, the Women’s Board, led by Board Chair Ann Denk, focused their efforts on raising funds for Alzheimer’s disease research.

Alzheimer’s is a growing epidemic and the only one of the top ten causes of death that cannot be prevented or cured. Barrow researchers have initiated 18 new studies in the past two years, with projects ranging from the first-ever blood test to detect Alzheimer’s, to one of the first Lewy body dementia studies in the medical field, to vaccines, prevention and imaging research. The support of the Women’s Board will help doctors and scientists continue to make strides towards ending the debilitating disease. In addition to Alzheimer’s research, this year’s funds supported research into new treatments and diagnostics for Parkinson’s disease, brain tumors, stroke and other devastating brain and spine conditions.

“I offer my heartfelt thanks to the members of the Women’s Board for their unwavering dedication to the institute,” said Katie Cobb, President of Barrow Neurological Foundation. “Their support will allow our physicians and scientists to continue providing outstanding clinical care for all of our patients, while researching new ways of diagnosing, treating, and ultimately curing, Alzheimer’sdisease and other brain and spine disorders.”

More than 300 distinguished guests attended this year’s black-tie event, including some of the Valley’s most well-known leaders and philanthropists: Governor Doug Ducey; Ambassador Barbara Barrett and Dr. Craig Barrett; Senator Jon Kyl and Caryll Kyl; Dr. Michael Lawton and Suzanne Lawton; Dr. Robert Spetzler and Nancy Spetzler; Stevie and Karl Eller; Nancy Hanley; Karen and Bob Hobbs; Jacquie and Bennett Dorrance; Linda and Bill Hunt; Jan and Tom Lewis; Dionne and Francis Najafi; Pat Petznick and Beverly Stewart; Amy and Ray Thurston; and Melani and Rob Walton.

Founded in 1965 for the purpose of raising money to further research, the Women’s Board has evolved into one of the most successful fundraising entities in the Valley and the largest cumulative donor group to Barrow. Over the last half-century, the group has donated more than $58 million to support medical research at the institute.