Brain on Fire Benefit Raises Over $70,000 for Neurology Research at Lenox Hill Hospital

Souhel Najjar, MD, chairman of Neurology, Lenox Hill Hospital and Susannah Cahalan, panelist author, Brain on FireBrain on Fire: Compelling Advancements in Neurological Health was the focus of the Auxiliary of Lenox Hill Hospital's annual benefit which took place at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and raised over $70,000 for neurology research and drew more than 200 guests. The informative program explored the intriguing field of neurology and featured Susannah Cahalan, New York Times bestselling author of "Brain on Fire: My Month of Madness," as well as the physician who saved her life, Lenox Hill's chairman of neurology, Souhel Najjar, MD.

Cahalan, whose critically acclaimed book will soon be a major motion picture, shared her inspiring journey toward recovery from a rare brain disorder, while Dr. Najjar explained how he was able to identify the mysterious condition that had previously eluded diagnosis. Dr. Najjar also discussed the innovative research now underway at the hospital and provided insights on medical advancements to come.

Dr. Max Gomez, WCBS medical correspondent, Emmy™ award-winning broadcast journalist and author was the evening's moderator.

Proceeds from the annual benefit will support brain autoimmune disorder and autoimmune encephalitis research conducted by Lenox Hill Hospital's Department of Neurology.