Giving

The Brain Trust

Founded: 1998

Who we are: Our group was started by Linda Burrows, a grateful patient who wanted to find a way to give back. Today we are a small group of women with one passion: bringing healing to the human brain.

Our purpose: Cedars-Sinai is fortunate to have one of the world’s most distinguished neurosurgeons, Keith L. Black, MD, professor and chair of the Department of Neurosurgery and the Ruth and Lawrence Harvey Chair in Neurosurgery. Time magazine called him a "Hero of Medicine;" we call him "our hero" and we are here to support his team of researchers in the Department of Neurosurgery as they win the fight against disorders, diseases and injuries of the brain.

Accomplishments: Our fundraising efforts — from children’s fairs to concerts to galas — helped launch the Johnnie L. Cochran, Jr. Brain Tumor Center.

What’s next: We are all about results, such as shortening the time it takes to move research advances to clinical trials for patients in need of the newest treatments. We are excited to support the ongoing development of an experimental brain cancer vaccine developed by Dr. Black’s team of researchers, as well as their exploration into how to harness the body’s immune system to reverse the early stages of Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Also in the exploratory stage: the use of nano drugs to better target tumors and the use of wavelengths of light for diagnosis.

Learn more: Call 323-866-6748.