Heart of the Brain co-founders Michael and Rebecca Neidorf with their daughter Isabel Neidorf (center). Photos: Reggie Ige
Los Angeles-based nonprofit Heart of the Brain has made a $2 million pledge to support the UCLA Brain Tumor Center, under the leadership of center co-directors Dr. Linda M. Liau (RES ’97, FEL ’98, PhD ’99), chair of the UCLA Department of Neurosurgery and W. Eugene Stern Chair in Neurosurgery, and Dr. Timothy Cloughesy (RES ’91, FEL ’92), director of the UCLA Neuro-Oncology Program and professor of clinical neurology. This commitment, part of the $4.2 billion Centennial Campaign for UCLA, will speed the path to discovering ways to provide earlier detection of brain tumors and more advanced therapies.
Becky and Michael Neidorf started the Heart of the Brain Foundation because their daughter Isabel was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. The couple’s goal was to find a cure, saying, “Supporting the Brain Tumor Center and research efforts of Dr. Liau and Dr. Cloughesy was a natural fit. Our family has been involved with UCLA for more than 50 years and is honored to support these two brilliant doctors, along with the leading research institution in the fight against brain cancer.”
The nonprofit held its second annual gala on the UCLA campus on September 7, 2019, to further advance support for the center. The evening, which raised more than $400,000 for the center, included an award ceremony, with Erika Kaestle receiving the Judi Kaufman Award, honoring the spirit of the late Judi Kaufman. Dr. Robert Prins (FEL ’02) received the Johnny Mercer Foundation Award in recognition of outstanding research on brain cancer and the dendritic cell-based vaccine. Lisa and Gregg Simon were presented with the Isabel Neidorf Award for their advocacy and support and Elliott Balbert was honored with the Special Award in celebration of his contributions as the inaugural Heart of the Brain executive director.
For more information, contact Samantha Lang at: 310-351-9806
