Mount Sinai’s Department of Neurosurgery recently joined neurosurgical teams from across the United States for the 19th Annual Neurosurgery Charity Softball Tournament, helping to raise more than $150,000 to advance neurosurgical research and improve treatments.
The event, held in Central Park on Saturday, June 1, united faculty, residents, and fellows for an important cause–supporting the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF). The event was hosted by Columbia University’s Neurosurgery Department.
NREF provides funding for neurosurgical opportunities for young students interested in the field. The 2024 Softball Tournament raised more than $150,000 for brain tumor research through NREF. The money raised will be used to advance neurosurgical research, for both basic laboratory studies and clinical data analysis from operating rooms.
“By raising funds, research surrounding the understanding of brain diseases can be expanded,” said Alex Schüpper, MD, a PGY-6 resident. “This supports promising brain tumor research initiatives across neurosurgery programs nationwide, ensuring that new treatments and cures can be developed.”
Fifty teams comprised of Neurosurgical Departments from top academic medical centers across the United States participated. “This tournament showcased the team spirit throughout the neurosurgical community, as friends, family, and co-workers gathered to cheer on opposing teams and watch the exciting softball games,” said Joshua Bederson, MD, Chair of the Department.
“Although Mount Sinai did not win the tournament, we are incredibly proud of our team, which played with dedication and passion,” said Dr. Schüpper. “They knew that this game was more than winning or losing, it was about making a difference in the field of neurosurgery.”