Neurosurgery Research &
Education Foundation
Neurosurgeons
Support the next generation of neurosurgeons via an unrestricted donation or a mentor fund.
General Public
Support neurosurgical training and research with a donation in honor of a friend or loved one.
Industry Partners
In the Honor of Dr. Michael Groff and Family
The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) and the entire neurosurgical community mourn the untimely passing of Michael W. Groff, MD, FAANS, a distinguished spine neurosurgeon, beloved colleague and dedicated leader. Dr. Groff passed away tragically in a plane crash on April 12, 2025, leaving behind a profound legacy of clinical excellence, academic contribution, and selfless service to the field of neurosurgery. Even more tragically, Dr. Groff’s family members — including his wife Dr. Joy Saini, son Jared and oldest daughter Karenna, and Jared’s and Karenna’s girlfriend and boyfriend, respectively — were also victims of the tragic accident.
News & Updates
As the philanthropic arm of a medical association committed to advancing the health, safety, and well-being of individuals around the world, we wish to express our profound solidarity with citizens and our neurosurgeon colleagues around the world seeking, with international assistance, to defend their liberty, security and ancient, sacred cultural values. Furthermore, we wish to unequivocally express our condemnation of violence as a means of advancing individual or national self-interests, wherever and whenever such tyrannical disregard for human life, dignity and freedom takes place.
Please consider supporting relief efforts for the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Ukraine.
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Our 21st Annual Neurosurgery Charity Softball Tournament champions: @barrowneuro the trophy returns to Phoenix!!
Thank you so much to all of our teams, donors, organizers, volunteers, umps, and families for coming out and making this incredible event happen!
#NREF #SwingForACure
Another great softball tournament! @NREFORG @UTHealthSA @MichaelGaub @MollyLafuente @UTHealthNeuro
The stage is set. Barrow and Mayo will battle for the championship at the 21st Annual Neurosurgery Charity Softball Tournament, with every inning helping support the next generation of brain tumor research through the NREF K12 Scholars Program. #NeuroSoftballTourney #NREF
The Final Four has been decided at the 21st Annual Neurosurgery Charity Softball Tournament, and the path to the championship is officially set. Who will rise to the moment and come out on top when it matters most?! Check the live scores here: https://nrefsoftball.com
Join us at 7 pm for the afterparty at M Social Hotel Times Square at 226 W 52nd St New York, NY!! 🎉
Wristbands will be distributed at the door.
@AANSNeuro @NREFORG @ColumbiaNeuro
#ANCST #NeuroCharity
Round two playoffs are officially underway right now at the 21st Annual Neurosurgery Charity Softball Tournament in Central Park. You can follow live updates, scores, and bracket movement directly here: https://nrefsoftball.com
@ColumbiaNeuro @NeuroSoftball @PittNeurosurg
A great time in NYC at the national softball neurosurgery softball competition. Great residents in the OR and on the field!!
Proud of you all!!
We are off to a great start
#neurosurgery #softball @nycgov @CentralParkNYC
Go Blue @MayoClinic @MayoClinicNeuro
During the #NeuroSoftballTourney, the NREF Silent Auction helps support the next generation of neurosurgeon-scientists through the NREF K12 Research Scholars Program. From unforgettable travel experiences to exclusive golf packages, your participation helps fuel the research and
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Neurosurgical Mentor
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Contribute to advance neurosurgical research and education.
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News & Updates
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Give Today
The NREF is dedicated to providing education to neurosurgeons at all stages of their careers, as well as funding research into new and existing neurosurgical treatments, in order to identify links between best practices and improved outcomes in patient care.





