“Throughout life, I think it is important to be mission driven, to live and work to improve personally and societally. I feel extremely proud of what I have accomplished. I am honored and privileged to have had the opportunity to become a physician. My journey has been complex. I am a true unicorn: an African American male physician. I break all of the stereotypes. I know that within my community and globally, I am viewed as a role model who demonstrates that education is truly transformative.”
Dr. Galen Vincent Henderson, MD, FNCS
Honoring a Visionary Leader
The HEARD Center was established in 2024 to honor the legacy of Dr. Galen Henderson, a pioneer in neurocritical care whose journey broke barriers, reminding us that excellence can come from anywhere. Throughout his career, he opened doors for others, demonstrating that education and opportunity are transformative. The Center now carries this spirit forward, “Breaking Barriers,” and captures our commitment to opening new pathways for inclusive excellence in neurocritical care.
Mission
The HEARD Center drives advancements in neurocritical care by supporting research, mentorship and outreach that foster inclusive excellence and open doors for all communities. We work to ensure that every person who suffers a life-threatening neurological injury receives the best possible care, and that tomorrow’s leaders reflect the diversity of the patients they serve.
Vision
We envision a future where no one’s outcomes are limited by where they live or who they are. By investing in high-impact research, nurturing the next generation of clinicians and scientists and expanding outreach initiatives, the HEARD Center seeks to build a healthcare landscape that provides innovative neurocritical care to every patient.
Support the HEARD Center
The HEARD Center relies on philanthropic support to sustain and expand its work. Your generosity makes a tangible difference for mentees, seed funding for pilot studies and resources for outreach programs. Every contribution—large or small—helps us break barriers and advance inclusive excellence in neurocritical care.
Donate
The Neurocritical Care Foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization in the State of Illinois. All deductions are tax-deductible. EIN/Tax ID: 86-2541862.