Who are the CINN Associates?

The Chicago Institute of Neurosurgery and Neuroresearch (CINN) Associates is a group of individuals who volunteer their time to promote philanthropic support and public awareness for CINN. The CINN Associates work closely with The CINN Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization dedicated to improving the lives of patients afflicted with neurological disorders.

As Associates, we share a deep appreciation for CINN’s mission to diagnose and treat patients with neurological conditions, such as brain tumors, vascular malformations, aneurysms, back and neck disorders, epilepsy, stroke, and Parkinson’s disease.

Members of the Associates come from many walks of life. Some Associates are former patients or family members of patients who have witnessed firsthand the exceptional care provided at CINN.

What are the Goals of CINN?

Through The CINN Foundation, CINN is dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with neurologic disorders such as stroke, brain tumors, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injury, and other back problems through:

	conducting basic and clinical research to develop new technologies and techniques to enhance clinical outcomes,
	promoting community education and awareness as it relates to the treatment and prevention of neurologic disorders,
	educating patients and their families as to diagnosis, treatment, and care of neurologic disorders, and
	encouraging and providing assistance to support groups for patients with neurologic disorders and their families.

What have the CINN Associates Accomplished?

Since joining together more than a decade ago, the CINN Associates have raised over one million dollars through an annual benefit and a corporate sponsorship program. Many months are spent planning the benefit, which attracts 400 to 500 people and includes a $20,000 grand prize raffle, silent and live auctions, games, great food, and dancing. The benefits are casual and feature a different theme, such as Country-Western, Oktoberfest, and the ‘70s. Proceeds from these events are used to support various research, education, and community outreach initiatives prioritized by the Associates.

The CINN Associates also annually select an individual to receive the CINN Decade of the Brain Award. This award recognizes someone who has made an outstanding contribution in one of the following areas: advancing knowledge and inspiring learning about the brain, scientifically investigating the brain and its functions, advancing technology associated with the brain, discovering preventive methods and treatments for brain disorders, or conducting basic or clinical research of brain disorders.

After researching and nominating potential candidates, the Associates select the award recipient. Past recipients have included Bill Kurtis, former anchorman for WBBM-TV in Chicago who developed the New Explorers series on PBS; Richard Restak, M.D., renowned neuropsychiatrist and best-selling author; Virginia Fickel, the founder of the Acoustic Neuroma Association; James Gusella, Ph.D., the distinguished molecular biologist who identified the gene defects responsible for Huntington’s and neurofibromatosis disease and other disorders; Heidelise Als, Ph.D., the renowned neuropsychologist; Sharon Lamb, R.N., the president of the National Brain Tumor Foundation; Ron Kotulak, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and science writer for The Chicago Tribune; The American Brain Tumor Association; and John Jane, M.D., Ph.D., the chairman of the Department of Neurological Surgery at the University of Virginia.

What Can You Expect as a CINN Associate?

The CINN Associates seek dedicated, enthusiastic individuals who desire to help CINN achieve its mission of creating life-saving treatments for patients with neurological disorders. As a CINN Associate, you could be involved in planning the annual benefits, selecting the Decade of the Brain Award recipient, and soliciting corporate sponsors.

In addition to participating in these activities, you will be invited to attend periodic presentations by CINN physicians and scientists relating to the neurological advances taking place at CINN. The Associates meet every month to plan the various activities, and we also get together for social events throughout the year.

Through our efforts to help CINN achieve its ambitious goals, we not only make a meaningful contribution to the cause, but develop lasting friendships as well. We ask you to join us in helping to speed the breakthroughs occurring at CINN.