WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute
In early 2024, Jean Drever Young was enjoying a Sunday evening at her Dallas home when she was struck by a segment she saw on “60 Minutes.”
The two-part news feature highlighted innovative efforts led by Ali Rezai, M.D., executive chair of the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute (RNI), using focused ultrasound technology for targeted treatment of Alzheimer’s disease — akin to performing brain surgery without using a scalpel.
“That was what caught me,” Young said. “I was incredibly impressed. I had not studied that, but I certainly have since. I think it’s wonderful.”
When the episode later re-aired, Young was inspired to contribute. She made a generous gift to support Dr. Rezai’s research and continues to champion RNI’s groundbreaking work.
RNI is a world leader in the focused ultrasound research that attracted Young’s attention. The non-surgical, outpatient procedure uses magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as a therapeutic tool, directing ultrasound beams toward a specific area of the brain to temporarily open the blood-brain barrier that often limits access for therapeutics.
As demonstrated on “60 Minutes” and documented in the New England Journal of Medicine, RNI’s work safely and effectively improves targeted antibody treatment to reduce the amyloid-beta plaques that build up in the brains of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.
Patients at RNI’s Memory Health Clinic receive compassionate, multidisciplinary care that includes opportunities to participate in clinical research trials and explore other innovative treatments as appropriate based on their unique needs.
“Our goal is to provide personalized care of the highest quality, and our world-leading research is driving new breakthroughs in minimally invasive treatment,” Rezai said. “We appreciate the generosity of supporters like Mrs. Young, whose generosity and philanthropy will ensure that more people can have access to focused ultrasound treatment and accelerate new discoveries.”
This past summer, Young hosted a team from RNI at her retirement community for a special event with the goal of raising awareness and garnering more support. More than 200 people attended.
“Everybody was so thrilled to hear from these doctors,” Young said. “I believe in medical research. My gift is small, but I hope it helps in some way.”
Young had no previous connections to WVU or RNI. Born in the Orkney Islands of Scotland, she emigrated to Canada with her family as a teenager and later moved to the United States.
She traveled the world throughout her life and spent over 20 years working in the hospitality industry, mostly for Marriott International. She settled in Dallas with her longtime partner, Jim, a native Texan and retired military officer.
Young has generously supported experiential learning for 25 scholars via Entrepreneurial Scotland, but much of her philanthropy in recent years has focused on supporting military families and expanding medical research, particularly in the areas of cancer research, Alzheimer’s disease/dementia research, and children’s research hospitals.
For more information on the WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, visit WVUMedicine.org/RNI.
Gifts to support RNI can be made online at Give.WVU.edu/WVUMedicine-RNI. Interested supporters can also contact Executive Director of Development Natalie Updike at nupdike@wvuf.org or 304-554-0255.
All gifts to RNI are made through the WVU Foundation, the nonprofit organization that receives and administers private donations on behalf of the University and its affiliated entities.