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January 19, 2026

New Year: New Hope

Here we are at the start of 2026, facing a critical time. Never in our history has the need for brain donation been clearer, more urgent, or more dire. The data now shows that neurologic disorders cause more death, sickness, and disability than any other kind of illness or disease. We’ve said it before: the answers cannot come fast enough.

October 8, 2025

Why Brain Donation is Essential to Advancing Mental Health Research

World Mental Health Day–October 10—is an important reminder of just how many lives are touched by mental illness. While conversations about treatment, stigma, and support are necessary, it’s critical to note the role of brain donation in unlocking answers.

October 8, 2025

When Tragedy Illustrates a Critical Need

We still don’t know enough about what exactly happens to the brain when it takes hits. Is it the repetition? Does the severity matter? What about frequency? Is it the shaking within the skull? Or the actual contact that’s worse?

September 8, 2025

A Special Invitation to Participants in Clinical Research

This message is for anyone who has participated in a clinical trial or medical research study involving the brain: Science would like to have your brain when you’re finished with it.

August 5, 2025

Saluting the NIH: Advancing Science

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has always been a pillar of hope and discovery. Even when budgets get tight, the NIH doesn’t back down—it keeps moving forward, focused on advancing science and saving lives.

Recent Media Coverage

June 18, 2025

Minds matter: The importance of brain donation

In a world where more than one in three people are affected by neurological conditions, brain donations are critical to researching and hopefully curing the diseases that impact our loved ones. That's why Tish Hevel founded the Brain Donor Project with a cause that inspired Caldwell resident Lauren Wilson to register to be a donor herself. Listen in to Idaho Matters podcast on Boise State Public Radio NPR.

January 31, 2025

Brain and Body Donations Help Unlock Understanding and Treatments for Alzheimer’s Disease

As the world’s population ages, the number of people living with various types of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, increases.

January 13, 2025

How preserved brain tissue sparks next-generation neuroscience

How preserved brain tissue sparks next-generation neuroscience. Some processes demand real brain tissue. After removal, half is frozen at -80°C; the rest is fixed, enabling long-term study.

July 8, 2024

Your Brain Holds Secrets. Scientists Want to Find Them.

June 21, 2024

Oldest Man in U.S. Dies at 110 — Now Scientists Will Study His Brain

June 17, 2024

Man who died at 110 was ‘always inquisitive.’

June 12, 2024

Morrie Markoff, Listed as Oldest Man in the U.S., Dies at 110

June 10, 2024

Column: He was the oldest man in the U.S., and his loving caretaker was with him to the end

June 7, 2024

Why You Might Want to Donate Your Brain to Science

So many Americans don’t realize the critical need for donated brain tissue to advance neuroscience research. Learn more about why this resource is needed, how The Brain Donor Project was formed, and why science needs all of us. NextAvenue Article.

March 17, 2024

Brain Donation with Bridgette Hurt of Real Talk Radio

Tish Hevel and Patroski Lawson, Founder of Black Men inBioTech, speak with Radio host Bridgette Hurt about the importance of brain donation on Real Talk Radio

Podcasts and Webinars

May 16, 2024

Making a Lasting Impact with The Brain Donor Project’s Tish Hevel

Tish Hevel, founder of The Brain Donor Project, speaks with Brain & Life podcast host Dr. Katy Peters about the importance of brain donation.

April 2, 2024

Discussing the Importance of Brain Donation on The Dr. Pat Show

Tish Hevel and Patroski Lawson, Founder of Black Men in BioTech, speak with Dr. Pat of The Dr. Pat Show about the importance of brain donation.

April 2, 2024

Diversity in Neuroscience Research with Audrey Adams on Talk! With Audrey

Tish Hevel and Patroski Lawson, Founder of Black Men in BioTech, speak with Audrey Adams, host of the Talk! With Audrey radio show, about the importance of diversity in neuroscience research and brain donation.

March 20, 2023

Webinar – Perspectives in FTD Research: Brain Donation – Who, What, When and Why

Brain donation is crucial in advancing the science of FTD. But navigating the donation process can be complicated. How does a person donate their brain, and to whom?

February 9, 2023

Video: Dementia Action Alliance – Organ Donor Does Not Mean Brain Donor – What You Need to Know

Tish Hevel with host Laurie Scherrer discuss why brain donation is important and how to donate your brain. Signing as an organ donor does not donate your brain. This simple process can help the neurological science field in so many ways.

November 18, 2022

Podcast: Coming Home Well – Sgt. Cody Bates: The Importance of his Pledge for Brain Donation

Tish Hevel talks with Sgt. Thomas Cody Bank on his commitment to donate his brain for neuroscience research.

October 6, 2022

Podcast: Behind the Service – Semper Fi and America’s Fund on Brain Donation

Tish is joined today by Suzanne Waddingham, a registered nurse with the Semper Fi & America's Fund Visiting Nurse Program, to discuss brain donation.

September 16, 2022

Podcast: Coming Home Well – Gunny’s Warriors: Medical Hardships of War and Importance of Brain Donation

Tish talks with Tim Voss of Gunny's Warriors about his head trauma and medical issues he struggles with from being in service.

August 25, 2022

Podcast: Do Good Better – Advancing Science through Brain Donation – The Brain Donor Project

The Brain Donor Project exists to increase brain donation to advance science, leading to the treatment and cure of neurological, neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders. They're here to increase awareness for and simplify the process of brain donation.

August 12, 2022

Podcast: Coming Home Well – GySgt. Ryan Pieraccini (USMC Retired) Creating His Legacy

Tish Hevel, Founder & CEO of the Brain Donor Project, is joined by Jan and Mike Pieraccini (founders of Gunny’s Warriors) to talk about their son Ryan’s wishes to create his legacy by donating his brain to research.