Women's Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation

Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation

In a storied tradition dating back to 1965, the Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation holds the Barrow Grand Ball each year to celebrate innovative research and treatment at Barrow Neurological Institute and thank all the generous donors who support its mission. From the first Ball at the Casa Blanca Inn, which netted $26,000, exceptional women in the Phoenix community have stepped forward to carry on this legacy. Almost 60 years later, the Women’s Board has reached an unprecedented lifetime milestone of $100 million raised since their inaugural Ball.

This past year, the 2024 Barrow Grand Ball raised an incredible $9.9 million to fund innovative research at Barrow.

FY23 Stewardship Report.

See how the Women’s Board made a difference through the 2023 Barrow Grand Ball by downloading the FY23 Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation Stewardship Report below.

FY23 Women’s Board Stewardship Report

The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation was formed in 1965 to engage community support for the Institute’s critical mission. Sixty years later, the resourcefulness and dedication of the Board persists. Since its inception, the Women’s Board has raised more than $100 million dollars for world-class physicians, nurses, scientists, and clinicians at Barrow. The culmination of the Board’s annual work is the Barrow Grand Ball, which serves as a heartfelt thank you to our donors’ incredible generosity.

This year, we celebrate the Barrow Grand Ball’s 60th Anniversary. The iconic Phoenix event will be held at the Arizona Biltmore on January 18, 2025.

Please contact, Megan Slattery, Women’s Board Liaison at 602.406.6333 or email contact@womensboardbnf.org for any questions.

Click below to view the 2025 Barrow Grand Ball Website:

2025 Women’s Board Project

Alzheimer’s & Memory Disorders Program
In 2006, the Women’s Board began a tradition of funding a specific research project on behalf of its members. These projects have been chosen to highlight key areas of research at Barrow that are not only innovative, but also make a measurable impact on patients’ lives. The Women’s Board is proud to select the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program at Barrow, led by Anna D. Burke, MD, as its project for the 2025 Barrow Grand Ball.

60 Years of the Barrow Women's Board

1965 The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation is established. Its inaugural Barrow Grand Ball, held at the Casa Blanca Inn on New Year’s Eve 1965, nets $26,000 for neurological research. Image

1983 With funding from the J. N. Harber Foundation, the Women’s Board endows the Chair of Neurological Surgery, which is used to recruit the Institute's next leader, Robert F. Spetzler, MD.

1983 Dr. Spetzer and Dr. Joseph Zabramski refine the cardiac standstill procedure, which allows neurosurgeons to treat previously inoperable areas of the brain.

1985 The Women’s Board Memorial Waiting Room Fund is established to furnish and maintain the Memorial Waiting Room for families of surgical patients.

1989 The William E. Barrow and Charles A. Barrow families establish the Barrow Memorial Endowment to support medical education for neuroscience nurses and residents.

1989 Dr. Volker Sonntag makes international headlines with the successful reattachment of a young boy’s skull to his spinal cord after it was severed in an accident.

1998 The Women’s Board holds its inaugural Education Enrichment Evening to increase public awareness about Barrow, its services, and its contributions to medicine.

2005 Karl and Stevie Eller support the creation of the Eller Telepresence Room, one of the first MedPresence video-conferencing rooms in the country.

2007 The Women’s Board establishes the Neuroscience Nursing Fund to support continuing education for Barrow nurses.

2014 The Women’s Board announces the Spetzler Legacy Project as its Special Project for the 2015 Ball. The Spetzler Legacy Project raised funds for a new building for the Barrow Neurological Institute, later to become the Barrow Neuroplex

2015 The Thurston Innovation Center, a program conceived by Barrow residents, is established to advance neurosurgical innovation.

2019 Francis and Dionne Najafi establish the Francis and Dionne Najafi Chair for Neurosurgical Oncology to provide funding for research at the Ivy Brain Tumor Center. Nader Sanai, MD, currently holds the chair.

2020 Jacquie and Bennett Dorrance establish the Dorrance Chair for Vascular Neurology to support stroke research, treatment, and education

2021 Patricia and Earl Petznick Sr. create the Petznick Stroke Center, one of the most comprehensive stroke programs in the country

2022 Jan and Tom Lewis establish the Lewis Headache Center to advance research, treatment, and care for migraine and headache disorders

2022 The Steele Foundation establishes the Dan Cracchiolo and Pam Grant Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry Fellowship in the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program.

2023 Nancy Hanley Eriksson establishes the Nancy Hanley Eriksson Chair for Neuromodulation to support the research of Barrow surgeon-scientist Zaman Mirzadeh, MD, PhD

2025 The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation celebrates 60 years of supporting Barrow Neurological Institute. To date, the group has raised a record total of $110M for research, patient care, and outreach for Barrow

In the News

2024

March 18, 2024

Leading Alzheimer’s Researcher Dr. Marwan Sabbagh Receives Moreno Family Chair for Alzheimer’s Research

Barrow Neurological Foundation is proud to announce that Carole and Arte Moreno have established the Moreno Family Chair for Alzheimer’s Research in the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program at Barrow Neurological Institute. Mrs. Moreno is a longtime member of the Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation, and the generous gift was made through the Barrow Grand Ball, the annual gala of the Women’s Board.

Marwan Sabbagh, MD, FAAN, is a top neurologist in the Barrow Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders program, director of the Applied Alzheimer’s Research Laboratory, Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Neurology, and the newly appointed Moreno Family Chair for Alzheimer’s Research. Dr. Sabbagh is the author of six books and more than 400 research publications. He also is a principal investigator on more than 100 clinical trials. Dr. Sabbagh was presented with the chair on March 8, 2024, during a ceremony held at Barrow Neurological Institute with the Morenos, members of the Barrow Women’s Board, members of the Foundation’s Board of Trustees, and his colleagues in attendance. Read More >>>

January 24, 2024

Barrow Women’s Board Raises $9.9 Million Through 2024 Barrow Grand Ball

Barrow Women’s Board 59th Barrow Grand Ball Raises Record Funding for Innovations in Hearing Health.

The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation announced today that it raised $9.9 million for Barrow Neurological Institute through the 59th Barrow Grand Ball on January 20, 2024.

This year’s Ball Co-Chairs, Carrie Hulburd and Kathy Munson, along with the committed members of the Women’s Board and its donors, raised funds to help Barrow physicians, researchers, and clinicians offer hope through research and treatments that save lives and improve the quality of life. Read More >>>

2023

January 31, 2023

$1.5M Gift from the Steele Foundation Launches Fellowship in Barrow Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program

Barrow Neurological Foundation is proud to announce that the Steele Foundation has endowed the Dan Cracchiolo and Pam Grant Behavioral Neurology and Neuropsychiatry Fellowship in the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program at Barrow Neurological Institute. The generous $1.5 million endowment was made through the Barrow Grand Ball, the Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation’s annual gala, which reached a lifetime milestone of $100 million raised since the 1965 inaugural Ball. Pam Grant is a longtime member of the Women’s Board. The Steele Foundation has an extensive history of supporting education at Barrow, including establishing the Horace W. Steele Chair in Neurosurgical Innovation and Education in 1997. Read More >>>

January 26, 2023

Barrow Women’s Board Reaches Milestone of $100M Raised Through Barrow Grand Ball

The 2023 Ball raised an incredible $7 million in support of the neurosciences.

The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation netted over $7 million for Barrow Neurological Institute through the 2023 Barrow Grand Ball, reaching an unprecedented lifetime milestone of $100 million raised since their 1965 inaugural Ball. This year’s Ball Co-Chairs, Amy Cohn and Erin Gogolak, galvanized Women’s Board members’ and donors’ passion for supporting the research and programs of Barrow’s world-renowned physicians, scientists, and clinicians.

“The magnitude of achievingthe lifetime $100 million mark islaudable, given the first Barrow GrandBall 58 years ago earned $26,000,” said 2023 Women’s Board Chairman Diane Might. Our Board is an accomplished, dynamic, and influential group of women dedicated to supporting Barrow Neurological Institute. Our members’ passionate advocacy for “bench-to-bedside” research and treatment helps save lives and improves the quality of life for those suffering from brain and spinal disorders.” Read More >>>

2022

May 31, 2022

Barrow Establishes Lewis Headache Center with Generous Gift from Jan and Tom Lewis

Barrow Neurological Foundation is honored to announce the creation of the Lewis Headache Center at Barrow Neurological Institute thanks to a generous gift from Jan and Tom Lewis. The news comes just in time for National Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, which is recognized during the month of June. “I have personally benefited from the comprehensive approach to migraine treatment and prevention that Dr. Kerry Knievel and her team provide,” said Jan Lewis. “Our family’s support of headache care at Barrow over the years has helped increase the quality and quantity of patient care. This gift will further that, leading to more patient care options and research to find innovative treatments.” Read More >>>

January 25, 2022

Barrow Women’s Board raises record $10.4 million through 2022 Barrow Grand Ball

The Women’s Board of Barrow Neurological Foundation raised a record-breaking $10.4 million for Barrow Neurological Institute through the 2022 Barrow Grand Ball. Women’s Board members Jacquie Dorrance and Katie Mueller co-chaired the event, inspiring members and donors during these unprecedented times. To date, the Women’s Board has raised more than $93 million to support the research of the world’s leading physicians, scientists, and clinicians at Barrow. Read More >>>

2021

February 2, 2021

Barrow Women’s Board raises record $8.5 million through 2021 Barrow Grand Ball

The Women’s Board of the Barrow Neurological Foundation raised more than $8.5 million for Barrow Neurological Institute through the 2021 Barrow Grand Ball, “A Grand Toast to Barrow.” Women’s Board members Diane Might and Kolby Moffatt co-chaired the event and galvanized members and donors during one of the most challenging times in recent history.

For the first time in its storied history, the Barrow Grand Ball was celebrated virtually, held on January 23, 2021 via an exclusive invitation for supporters. The video celebration showcased the Women’s Board’s fundraising accomplishments and highlighted its impact on several Barrow programs. Read More >>>

2020

June 5, 2020

Dorrance Family Establishes Vascular Neurology Chair at Barrow

he Barrow Neurological Foundation is pleased to announce the establishment of the Dorrance Chair of Vascular Neurology for the Stroke Program at Barrow Neurological Institute. Michael Waters, MD, PhD, chief of the Barrow Division of Vascular Neurology and director of the Stroke Program, will be the named chair.

This endowment allows dedicated time for Dr. Waters’ groundbreaking research to identify genetic mechanisms of stroke and to develop drugs to minimize the damage caused by stroke. This critical research could change stroke outcomes for patients in Arizona and around the world. Read More >>>

January 21, 2020

Barrow Grand Ball 2020 Raises Record $8.3 Million for Research

The Women’s Board of the Barrow Neurological Foundation raised a record $8.3 million for Barrow Neurological Institute through the 2020 Barrow Grand Ball. Women’s Board members Tahnia McKeever and Christine Watson co-chaired the black-tie gala held January 18 at the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. Amy Thurston is the 2020 chairman of the Women’s Board, which has supported Barrow for 55 years, raising more than $75 million for life-changing initiatives. Read More >>>

2019

July 11, 2019

Najafi Family Establishes Neurosurgical Oncology Chair at Barrow

Francis and Dionne Najafi have endowed the Neurosurgical Oncology Chair at Barrow Neurological Institute. This endowed fund at the Barrow Neurological Foundation will be used to match donations for brain tumor research for the next decade. Dr. Nader Sanai, Director of the Ivy Brain Tumor Center at Barrow Neurological Institute, has been named the chair. Read More >>>

January 30, 2019

Barrow Women’s Board Raises $5.2 million through 2019 Barrow Grand Ball

The Women’s Board of the Barrow Neurological Foundation raised net proceeds in excess of $5.2 million for Barrow Neurological Institute through the 2019 Barrow Grand Ball held on January 26 at the Arizona Biltmore, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. The black-tie soiree was co-chaired by Dionne Najafi and Terry Roman to celebrate Barrow philanthropists who participate in giving through the group. The Women’s Board, led by Chairwoman Robyn Lee, has supported world-class Barrow Neurological institute for more than 54 years and contributed more than $61 million to fund life-changing research. Read More >>>

2018

January 31, 2018

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. Read More >>>

2017

June 17, 2017

Barrow to introduce leading migraine treatment program with $2 million gift from T.W. Lewis Foundation

With approximately 37 million people suffering from migraines in North America, the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program at Barrow Neurological Institute is set to make a difference in the lives of those affected.

The T.W. Lewis Foundation, founded by Tom and Jan Lewis, recently gifted $2 million in order to establish the Jan & Tom Lewis Migraine Treatment Program, which will offer multidisciplinary patient care options and lead research and clinical trials to improve treatments and find cures. Read More >>>

2016

July 2, 2016

Petznick and Stewart families donate generously to MS research

Beverly Stewart and the Petznick family continue their generous record of support to St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center with a $1.1 million gift establishing an endowed chair position in multiple sclerosis (MS) at Barrow Neurological Institute. The donation mirrors a commitment by the family to improve MS treatments by accelerating research that aims to pinpoint causes for this inflammatory disease. Read More >>>