Axon Advance Foundation Introduced at Cocktail Party

Members of the Medical Community and its Supporters Gather to Discuss Foundation Plans & Goals

Dr. Andrew Elkwood and wife, Caryn, with Dr. Wise Young, director of the KECK Center for Collaborative Neuroscience at Rutgers University, recognized as one of the world’s outstanding neuroscientists

We have invited our colleagues, friends and patients to gain an understanding of what we do. We have the wherewithal to help patients within our own practice, and the desire in our own hearts, but unfortunately, that’s not enough.” With those words, Dr. Andrew Elwood welcomed approximately 50 guests to the Axon Advance Foundation introductory cocktail party, held on May 10, 2013, at the Eagle Oaks Golf & Country Club in Farmingdale, New Jersey.

The Axon Advance Foundation was established in 2013 to advance research, innovation, and surgical treatments for peripheral nerve disorders and spinal cord injuries. Patients come from around the U.S. and the world to be treated by this select group of surgeons, who are among only a handful to perform these procedures.

In addition to the surgeons of The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction at The Plastic Surgery Center of New Jersey, who comprise the core members of the Axon Advance Foundation, other attendees included representatives from Avery Biomedical, which makes a phrenic nerve stimulator, otherwise known as a diaphragm pacemaker; Integra LifeSciences, a medical device company; staff from the W.M. KECK Center for Collaborative Neuroscience at Rutgers University; and The Center for Treatment of Paralysis & Reconstructive Nerve Surgery at Jersey Shore University Medical Center.

Guests sampled hors d’oeuvres and a buffet supper. As they did, those such as Igmesh Patel and John Kemintizer of Inegra were deep in discussion with Dr. Matthew Kaufman on how to improve nerve regeneration. One of the evening’s highlights was the talk given by Dr. Wise Young, KECK Center director, who praised the surgeons of the Axon Advance Foundation by proclaiming they provide “state-of-the-art care with passion and love.”

Dr. Young predicted, “I believe we’re going to do big things for spinal cord injury, making New Jersey the center of research and development in the United States.” He mentioned the 12 clinical trials currently being undertaken at Jersey Shore University Hospital. He and the KECK Center work closely with the members of the Axon Advance Foundation.

The event showcased the mission of the Foundation. As Dr. Kaufman concluded in his remarks, “We are trying to be problem solvers where there are, as of yet, no solutions.”

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Cara Larned, Director of Medical Marketing at The Plastic Surgery Center of New Jersey, with Ryan Younger, Director of Marketing at Jersey Shore University Medical Center

Tim Bennett, Program Coordinator, and Patricia Morton, Ph.D, Director of Planning & Development—both from the W.M. KECK Center for Collaborative Neuroscience at Rutgers University