Joseph Broderick, MD
Director, UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute
Principal Investigator of National Coordinating Center for NIH StrokeNet  

This work would not be possible without the generosity of our supporters. Hear directly from patients and clinician-researchers about how philanthropy impacts our work and improves lives at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute website.

A $2.65 million gift from the Farmer Family Foundation will help transform care for UC Health patients requiring highly-specialized neurological care. The neuro-ICU at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center provides advanced, around-the-clock care for critically ill neurological and neurosurgical patients. 

This donation completes a campaign launched by the James J. and Joan A. Gardner Family Foundation in 2022, completing a nearly $8 million upgrade of the neuroscience floor and the neuro-ICU. 

Renovations, set to be complete in 2026, include upgrading 52 patient rooms, enhancing nurse workstations and transforming the lobby and family waiting areas, creating comfortable accommodations so families can stay close to their loved ones. 

Email Emma Laverty or call 610-331-9046 to learn how you can support patient care at UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute.

In 2021, the University of Cincinnati’s Stroke Team developed a flowchart to assist doctors in finding the right trial. Pooja Khatri, MD, thought it would be more user-friendly as a mobile app, but she didn’t have the time or coding expertise to make that a reality. 

So Khatri turned to her son, Ajai Nelson, who had recently graduated from Walnut Hills High School and was preparing for his freshman year at Oberlin College. 

Not only has Hilary Debelak vowed to live life to the fullest despite his own diagnoses, his Strikeout MS organization has raised over $250,000 to provide integrative healthcare and wellness programs through UC Health to others living with multiple sclerosis. 

Following a stroke, many people have issues with walking and balance. Physical therapy can help patients recover, but most people will plateau around six months after their stroke.

Patients with better outcomes develop what is called post-stroke sensory reweighting (PSR), the process of the senses coming back and in better equilibrium to improve walking and balance. A new UC study is examining how exactly patients develop PSR during the first six months of recovery.

After a series of health crises, including a stroke and a traumatic accident, Paul Westhafer’s life today is nearly unrecognizable from the challenges he faced just months ago.

His recovery stands as a testament to his determination and the exceptional care provided by his team at UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute. From navigating the healthcare system to the compassionate nurses and residents, the entire experience left a lasting impact.

The certification indicates that UC Medical Center has met and seeks to maintain The Joint Commission's high standards in providing stroke care to patients in the region and beyond, and reflects the hospital's longstanding excellence in stroke care. 

UC's Jeffrey Strawn, MD was featured in a TIME article discussing why anxiety can often be worse at night and tips to address nighttime anxiety.

Strawn said during the day, people are likely preoccupied with work, errands, chores and other obligations, but at night the brain has fewer distractions. 

Mark your calendars to support community events that drive discovery, enhance care and improve patients' lives here at the UC Gardner Neuroscience Institute and beyond.

Sunflower Rev It Up for Parkinson's
Sunday, Sept. 7
Join us at Yeatman's Cove in Downtown Cincinnati for this joyful community event that brings together families affected by Parkinson’s Disease and supporters aiming to make an impact on Parkinson’s research and education in our region. The event includes a 1K walk and a 5K walk/run through downtown Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

Dave Parker 39 Foundation
Cobra Classic Golf Outing
Friday, Sept. 19
Support Parkinson's Disease patient services and celebrate Dave's 2025 induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame at the 11th and final Cobra Classic Golf Outing at Glenview Golf Course. Every foursome plays with a celebrity, including local sports and entertainment personalities.

Walk Ahead for
Brain Tumor Discoveries 
Sunday, Oct. 19
Brain tumor patients and survivors, joined by loved ones and community members will 'Walk Ahead' as a united front to advance research, treatment and education at the University of Cincinnati Brain Tumor Center. 

Our Vision

Focused on the pursuit of lifelong brain health, we are recruiting and retaining top talent for research and care and leveraging the power of big data to provide personalized medicine that improves the lives of our patients and their families.

Make a one-time gift or set up a recurring donation online. Support our greatest needs or explore how you can support one of our areas of care.

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Community Events

Local fundraisers are a great way to show your support. Contact us about hosting your own fundraising event.