Dr. Gary K. Michelson and Alya Michelson were honored with the 2024 Humanitarian Award at the World Brain Mapping Foundation’s 21st Gathering for Cure (GFC) Awards Gala held at the Biltmore Hotel in Los Angeles. The prestigious award recognizes individuals who have made substantial contributions to improving the survival and quality of life for patients worldwide. Past recipients of this esteemed award include Dr. Anthony Fauci, Dr. Sanjay Gupta, and Ming Hsieh.
The World Brain Mapping Foundation is dedicated to addressing various medical challenges such as brain and spine cancers, neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, neuropsychiatric disorders, and spinal disorders, particularly in wounded soldiers. Their annual GFC Awards Gala acknowledges leaders in brain mapping, health policy, neuroscience, and mental health philanthropy, aligning with their mission to advance neurotech innovation and accelerate therapeutics and diagnostics for neurological disorders.
Dr. Gary K. Michelson and Alya Michelson were honored at the event for their game-changing contributions to science and technology, including their efforts in establishing institutes focused on convergent biosciences and advancing immunotherapy. These initiatives are part of the Brain Technology and Innovation Park (BTIP) initiative, aiming to position Los Angeles as a global leader in biotech and neurotech innovations.
Dr. Michelson, known for his surgical innovations and numerous patents, has significantly impacted spinal surgery, benefiting millions worldwide. Alongside his wife Alya, they lead Michelson Philanthropies, supporting education, animal welfare, public policy, and medical research. Their transformative initiatives include co-founding institutions like the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience and the upcoming California Institute for Immunology and Immunotherapy at the UCLA Research Park.
Alya Michelson expressed gratitude for the award and emphasized using her voice for positive change, thanking their team at Michelson Philanthropies for their dedication to their mission.
Other notable recipients at the 2024 GFC Awards Gala include California State Senator Ben Allen, Dr. Sujuan Ba, and Mr. Cameron Piron, recognized for their contributions in healthcare policy, medicine, and technology development, respectively.
This year’s gala highlighted mental health and brain/spine disorders, raising funds for innovative initiatives like Global Neuroscience20, Women in Neuroscience Group (WING), BTIP, fellowship programs, and humanitarian missions under Global Physicians and Scientists GPS.
