Group Helps People with Brain Disorders

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. – People suffering from various brain disorders caused by strokes, illness, and injury need support and help in many ways.

The Foundation for Neuroscience, Stroke and Recovery was recently formed to help improve the quality of life for patients suffering from brain disorders. The foundation was created through the combined efforts of both patients and doctors.

Kelly Pittner is a survivor of two brain tumors, and is one of the founders and driving force behind the development of the new (501) c 3 non–profit foundation.

She says she has a strong passion for helping others, which is no surprise considering what she has endured herself. She survived an angioblastic meningioma brain tumor – twice. It required both brain surgery, and Gamma Knife radio surgery, a non-invasive tool that replaces the scalpel with a focused array of 201 intersecting beams of high-intensity gamma radiation.

The tumor came back a few years later, and Pittner went through the same surgery once again, with the addition of many weeks of radiation treatment as well. Today she has a clean bill of health and is dedicated to helping others with the struggles associated with brain disorders.

Pittner was joined by others in the creation of the Foundation for Neuroscience, Stroke and Recovery in 2004. It was formed to serve individuals throughout the world. Contributions are awarded to researchers, support programs, and to pay for new medical equipment.

Founding board members include Pittner, Christopher Duma, M.D., and Michael Brant-Zawadzki, M.D.

Duma serves as one of the co-medical directors of the South Coast Medical Center’s movement disorders program, and is chairman of the Neurosurgery Department at Hoag Hospital where he specializes in Gamma Knife radio surgery.

Brant-Zawadzki is currently medical director of Radiology at Hoag Memorial Hospital, and holds clinical professorship at Stanford University Medical Center. He lectures nationally and internationally. He serves on the editorial board of numerous professional publications including the Journal of the American Medical Association.



On July 14 the foundation will give away $15,000 in a “reverse raffle” luncheon at Pelican Hills in Newport Beach. Only 100 tickets are available for the raffle. Lunches and spa days will also be awarded as well as other prizes. Special surprise guests will be on hand for the event, plus motivational speaker and entertainer Lola Gillebaard.

On Sep. 28 the foundation will host a fashion show and luncheon at the Santa Ana Performing Arts Center. Experience the newest fashions and a chance to purchase accessories, including cosmetics, handbags, and many other exciting designer items while enjoying hors d'oeuvres and Sangria. There will also be a silent auction.

Tickets for both events can be obtained by visiting the foundation’s web site at fnsr.org, or by calling 1-877-522-2700. Donations are most welcomed, and are tax deductible.

Contact:
Kelly Pittner
info@fnsr.org
949-650-8908