Justin G. Model Memorial Golf Outing to Benefit the Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai

Updated on Sep 29, 2025 | Events, Featured

Justin Model golfing in Miami

Justin golfing in Miami

Justin and Steph in Italy, 2023

Justin and Steph in Italy, 2023

Justin’s father, Hal, mother Ricki, uncle Robert, and brother Jared on the golf course

From left, Justin’s father, Hal, mother Ricki, uncle Robert, and brother Jared on the golf course

Justin’s aunt Sabrina (with his mother, Ricki, at the event.

Justin’s aunt Sabrina (left) with his mother, Ricki, at the event

“Make every day count.”

This is the message Justin Model’s family believes he would have wanted others to hear. This is how Justin lived his life. A bright and ambitious 33-year-old, Justin was a rising star at ING known for mentoring colleagues and his deep passion for building connections and sharing knowledge. A central facet of Justin’s life was his love for companionship and adventure; he was an avid golfer, traveler, and thrill-seeker, embracing every moment to its fullest.

Justin’s fiancé, Steph, articulated his character: “Justin loved being around people and could make friends with anyone from any walk of life. He was someone who made the most of every day and wanted to take on new adventures.”

In April 2024, Justin suffered a devastating brain bleed and was taken to The Mount Sinai Hospital. Despite great medical care, Justin did not recover, leaving behind his family, his fiancé, and a multitude of friends and colleagues who treasured his spirit and zest for life.

After the tragedy, Justin’s family was determined to honor his memory and quickly established the Justin G. Model Foundation to support brain injury research.

They agreed that a golf outing fundraiser was the most fitting way to gather together, as Justin had an unrivaled passion for the sport, played all over the world, and even once made a hole-in-one. “If he could have played golf every single day, he probably would have. And he was damn good at it. So that’s how it came about,” Justin’s mother, Ricki, said.

With the generous sponsorship of ING, Justin’s family and friends hosted the inaugural Justin G. Model Memorial Golf Outing this past April at Fiddler’s Elbow Country Club in Bedminster, New Jersey. With 180 guests, the Foundation raised $70,000 for the Brain Injury Research Center (BIRC) at Mount Sinai.

The outing served as a joyful gathering where friends and family reminisced about the good times they had with Justin and the joy he brought to everyone around him. “I think for us, the outing was a really good way to bring people together and have fun in his name. That’s what Justin would have wanted. Were there some tears? Absolutely, but there were a lot of laughs. It was about bringing people together, having fun, remembering the good times, and doing something that he loved,” Steph reflected.

Ricki shared how developing the foundation and planning the outing provided a channel not only to remember Justin but also to make a positive impact. “It also gives me a way of keeping his name alive, saying his name every day, and being able to help others and prevent what happened to us. As a mother, I would want to do everything to prevent this.”

“We are profoundly thankful to the Model family for their generosity and for choosing to honor Justin’s life with this tribute golf outing,” said BIRC Director Kristen Dams-O’Connor, PhD, who is also the Jack Nash Professor and Vice Chair of Research in the Department of Rehabilitation and Human Performance, and Professor of Neurology and Neuroscience at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Their support will undoubtedly have a far-reaching impact, benefiting countless individuals and families affected by brain injuries.”

The Model family’s commitment to promoting awareness and funding for brain injury research ensures Justin’s memory lives on while advancing the science that could save and improve lives in the future, further solidifying Justin’s positive impact on the world. Plans are underway for next year’s golf outing, with the goal of increasing participation and funding.

“We want to keep Justin’s name front of mind for everyone who knew him and for everyone who didn’t get a chance to know him. Hopefully, with the funds that we’re raising, we can help another family not experience the loss that we’ve experienced,” Ricki said.

In Steph’s words, “I believe Justin’s message would be that you don’t know how long you’re going to have, so make the most of the days that you do have. If you do that, you’re going to live a happy life.”

Learn more about the Brain Injury Research Center at Mount Sinai

Connect with the Justin G. Model Foundation on social media:

From athletic events to special celebrations, we have endless opportunities to support Mount Sinai, and we are here to help you! Please contact Whitney Cortes at Whitney.Cortes@mountsinai.org or (646) 877-4784.

Start a Fundraiser in Honor or Memory of a Loved One

Champions of Philanthropy: The Story of Mount Sinai’s Trustee Leadership

Updated on Sep 24, 2025 | Featured

The history of the Board of Trustees at Mount Sinai is a testament to the enduring power of philanthropy and visionary leadership in advancing health care, scientific research, and medical education. Since our founding in the mid-19th century, Mount Sinai has grown into one of the most prominent academic medical centers in the United States, largely due to the dedication and foresight of our Trustee leadership and support.

The journey began when Mount Sinai was founded on January 15, 1852, by nine men—Mount Sinai’s first Trustees—representing a variety of Jewish charities who agreed on a vision for free medical care for indigent Jews in New York City.

 

New York State Charter of the Jews’ Hospital in New York January 16, 1852

New York State Charter of the Jews’ Hospital in New York January 16, 1852

“We have associated and hereby do associate ourselves into a benevolent, charitable and scientific Society… to be known… by the name of The Jews’ Hospital in New York… the particular business, purpose and object of such… will be the medical and surgical aid to persons of the Jewish persuasion.”
Quote from the New York State Charter of the Jews’ Hospital in New York
January 16, 1852

The governing body was originally called the Board of Directors of the Jews’ Hospital in the City of New York, which officially became The Mount Sinai Hospital in 1866. By 1917, the Board of Directors was renamed the Board of Trustees, aligning with broader governance practices in nonprofit and academic institutions.

Mount Sinai’s evolution is closely intertwined with the legacy of our Trustees, whose contributions have been invaluable at pivotal milestones, including the establishment of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in 1963 and the formation of the Mount Sinai Medical Center in 1969. Throughout the Health System’s strategic growth, Trustees have overseen major expansions, such as the 2013 merger with Continuum Health Partners, which led to the creation of the Mount Sinai Health System and the subsequent unification of the Boards of Trustees. Their guidance has been crucial in supporting research and clinical initiatives, managing leadership transitions, and leading transformative philanthropic campaigns.

The Board’s commitment to philanthropy has been instrumental in driving Mount Sinai’s mission forward. Their leadership has not only facilitated the institution’s growth but also ensured that Mount Sinai remains at the forefront of medical innovation and patient care. The Trustees’ dedication to advancing health care and medical research continues to shape the future of our Institution, fostering a culture of excellence and compassion.

The Boards of Trustees continues to guide Mount Sinai’s strategic initiatives in areas such as neuroscience, health equity, digital health, and global partnerships. With leadership from Co-Chairmen Richard A. Friedman and James S. Tisch, the Board remains committed to upholding the Institution’s legacy of excellence and innovation.

Recent Trustee Leadership and Legacies

2002-2019: Peter W. May’s Transformational Tenure

Peter and Leni May

Peter and Leni May

As the Mount Sinai Boards of Trustees evolved through the 20th and 21st centuries, few leaders left as profound a mark as Peter W. May, who served as Chairman for 17 years beginning in 2002. His tenure began during a time of financial uncertainty. Rather than retreating, Mr. May leaned into the challenge along with Mount Sinai leadership including then-CEO Kenneth L. Davis, MD. Drawing from his successful business background, Mr. May focused on strategic growth, philanthropy, and talent recruitment, helping to stabilize and ultimately transform Mount Sinai into one of the largest and most respected health care systems in the country.

“My experience has always been that you don’t cut your way out of a problem, you build your way out of a problem.” – Peter W. May

Under Mr. May’s leadership, Mount Sinai expanded from a two-hospital medical center to an eight-hospital health system; the Icahn School of Medicine rose in national rankings; and the Institution maintained its commitment to a mission of health equity and compassionate care for all, even during financial strain.

Mr. May’s impact was celebrated at the 2019 Crystal Party, where he received a standing ovation and a tribute performance by New York Philharmonic violinists. Reflecting on his time, Mr. May said: “Mount Sinai is the other part that has really enriched my life… I have loved every minute of my work at Mount Sinai.”

Peter May’s legacy continues to shape the Institution’s values and vision, serving as a model of mission-driven leadership in health care governance.

2019-2026: The Guiding Governance of James S. Tisch and Richard A. Friedman

Richard and Susan Friedman with Merryl and James Tisch

Richard and Susan Friedman with Merryl and James Tisch

In 2019, Mount Sinai Health System marked a pivotal leadership transition with the appointment of James S. Tisch and Richard A. Friedman as Co-Chairs of the Boards of Trustees, following the impactful 17-year tenure of Peter W. May. Mr. Tisch, CEO of Loews Corporation, and Mr. Friedman, Chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, brought decades of experience and philanthropic leadership to their roles.

Mr. Tisch has served as a Trustee since 1988, and Mr. Friedman since 2001—both have been instrumental in advancing Mount Sinai’s growth and excellence.

Their tenure has been defined by transformative milestones. Under their leadership, Mount Sinai completed a historic $2 billion fundraising campaign, significantly enhancing the Institution’s research, education, and clinical capabilities. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when Mount Sinai became the epicenter of the epicenter in New York City, Mr. Tisch and Mr. Friedman mobilized critical resources and galvanized donor support to help the Health System respond with agility and strength.

Brendan Carr

Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS Chief Executive Officer Professor and Kenneth L. Davis, MD, Distinguished Chair, Mount Sinai Health System

In 2024, they ushered in a new chapter with the appointment of Brendan G. Carr, MD, MA, MS, as CEO and Kenneth L. Davis Distinguished Chair, signaling a shift in leadership. As Mr. Tisch and Mr. Friedman prepare to conclude their co-chairmanship in 2026, their legacy is one of resilience, vision, and unwavering commitment to academic medicine. Their stewardship has left an indelible mark on Mount Sinai’s trajectory and our capacity to meet the challenges of the future.

A Touchdown for Children’s Health: The Why Not You Foundation’s Game Changing Support for Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital

Updated on Sep 23, 2025 | Donor Profile, Events, Featured

Ciara and Russell Wilson’s Why Not You Foundation is bringing its winning spirit to Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. The connective power of philanthropy started with the Jack Martin Fund, a long-time contributor to the Jack and Lucy Clark Department of Pediatrics and Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, who introduced Russell and Ciara to Mount Sinai when the NFL quarterback signed with the New York Giants and was seeking a children’s hospital to support in his new hometown. Supporting children’s health is a mission that deeply resonates with the husband and wife Super Bowl champion and Grammy award-winning singer; their foundation’s mission is to “Encourage and challenge today’s youth to embrace opportunities, overcome obstacles and make a positive impact throughout their lives.”

This isn’t the first time the NFL New York Giants quarterback has made an impact at Mount Sinai. A decade ago, after Russell’s Super Bowl XLVIII victory, Mount Sinai’s leaders first met Russell Wilson, and he recently returned for a visit that brought unforgettable joy to the hospital’s halls. Russell spent time with children, families, and staff, leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met.

When visiting Mount Sinai, Russell made a surprise appearance at the Emergency Medicine White Coat Ceremony, where residents received their “white coats” as a symbolic transition into the specialty, and where Russell was donned with an honorary coat himself. From there, Russell headed to the Child Life KidZone where he played air hockey, signed copies of their New York Times bestseller children’s book, Why Not You? he and Ciara co-authored, and connected with young patients. Check out the smiles and cheers brought to everyone Russell met at Mount Sinai:

 

 
 
 
 
 
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A post shared by Mount Sinai Health System (@mountsinainyc)

The Why Not You Foundation’s statement of future support comes at a pivotal time for Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital. The hospital is in a transformative period of growth, making major investments in technology, talent, and new clinical and surgical units to enhance the young patient and family experience. This expansion is designed to meet both the medical and emotional needs of the children and families we serve.

The philanthropic partnership kicked off at the Foundation’s $3 Million Dollar Dinner on Monday, August 18th, on the Giants’ 50-yard line at MetLife Stadium, with Fortune 100 companies, top corporate executives, community leaders, and nonprofit partners in attendance. Guests were treated to an extraordinary culinary experience curated by Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and the ambiance was elevated by a live performance by Musicians from the New York Philharmonic. Adding a touch of wonder and excitement, Anna DeGuzman, a trailblazing Filipina-American magician, cardist, and mentalist, wowed the crowd with a captivating magic show. The evening was emceed by Anthony Ramos, Grammy award-winning actor, singer, and arts advocate whose energy and charisma kept the crowd engaged throughout. A highlight of the night was a heartfelt speech from Lisa M. Satlin, MD, System Chair of the Jack and Lucy Clark Department of Pediatrics and Pediatrician-in-Chief of Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital, who spoke passionately about the transformative impact of the Why Not You Foundation’s partnership with Kravis Children’s Hospital and the importance of continued investment in pediatric care.

Ciara and Russell Wilson with Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital physicians, faculty, and staff

Ciara and Russell Wilson with Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital physicians, faculty, and staff

Ciara and Russell Wilson with Mount Sinai Kravis Children’s Hospital physicians, faculty, and staff

Ciara and Russell Wilson

Lisa M. Satlin, MD

Musicians from the New York Philharmonic

As Russell and Ciara beautifully state in their book, Why Not You, “Your potential has no boundaries!” Together with the Why Not You Foundation, Mount Sinai is proving that there is no endeavor too big when it comes to creating a brighter, healthier future for children and anticipating a partnership that will better the lives of countless young people coming to Mount Sinai’s Kravis Children’s Hospital in years to come.

The Power of Friendship: Advancing a Cure for CADASIL

Updated on Sep 16, 2025 | Donor Profile, Featured

Jeff Green and Steve Katelman

Jeff Green and Steve Katelman have known each other for nearly 20 years. Their friendship began when they discovered they had similar views on how to improve the digital advertising ecosystem. They grew even closer when they discovered they were both devilishly competitive.

“That started one time when we were at an industry event financed by one of my competitors, and there was somebody walking around with buckets of cheese,” Green recalled. “Then Steve asked me, ‘How many of those do you think you can eat?’ And I said, ‘More than you.’”

“And so it began,” added Katelman.

OK, but who won that initial cheese-eating competition?

“I think normally when it involves food, we call it a draw before somebody calls the police,” Katelman said.

“I think that was one of the first draws—a less exciting draw was when we had the competition to see who could fit the most gumballs in their mouth,” Green said. “We called a truce at like 84 when somebody was about to choke.”

So what happens when two close friends team up to channel that competitive drive into a shared mission for the greater good? The potential to impact one of society’s biggest problems—neurodegenerative disease.

Steve and Jeff, circa 2014

In 2021, Green signed on to the Giving Pledge, a promise by some of the world’s wealthiest people to give most of their fortunes to charitable causes. “My target is more than 90 percent of my wealth,” Green wrote in his pledge letter. “But I will also give of my time, my most precious commodity, to allocate those funds deliberately, and to be personally engaged.”

Little did he know at the time how personally engaged he would become with one of his generous grants.

Green is the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of The Trade Desk, a successful digital advertising software company. To facilitate his philanthropic efforts, he started DataPhilanthropy, a charitable giving organization focused on causes where impact can be measured and scaled with data. He appointed Katelman, an advertising executive who had recently retired from 25+ years at Omnicom, as a key part of it.

“It was taking up a lot of his time, and he wanted me to help him because he trusted me and saw that so many of my previous skills could be utilized,” Katelman said. “So, we’re giving away hundreds of millions of dollars to causes we believe can advance through technology, just like we did with the advertising industry.”

Katelman is 60 years old. For close to 10 years, he’s known he has Cerebral Autosomal Dominant Arteriopathy Subcortical Infarcts and Leukoencephalopathy, or CADASIL. It is an inherited brain disorder caused by a genetic mutation that affects the muscle walls in the brain’s arteries, affecting blood flow to the brain. CADASIL is often characterized by migraine headaches and multiple strokes that in some cases can lead to dementia. Other symptoms include cognitive deterioration, seizures, vision problems, and psychiatric problems such as severe depression and changes in behavior and personality. The disease affects people variably and it has no known cure and few effective symptomatic treatments.

Katelman discovered he had CADASIL when a half-sister he had never known called him out of the blue to tell him she had it. After years of chasing a diagnosis for her symptoms, she wanted to let any blood relatives know of her findings. She was trying to find out whether anyone on either side of her parents’ family had been tested for CADASIL or experienced any strokes. Not long before that, Katelman felt disoriented and experienced a headache while attending a music festival. An eventual test confirmed the diagnosis.

Katelman’s CADASIL doctor is Fanny Elahi, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Neurology, Neuroscience, and Pathology, Molecular and Cell-Based Medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and one of the world’s foremost specialists in the study of brain blood vessel abnormalities and associated degeneration of the brain’s white matter. When Dr. Elahi told him about her work with data and the latest technology, and her vision for the future, Katelman made the obvious connection.

Steve Katelman and Dr. Fanny Elahi

“I said, ‘I think I know a guy that can help,’” Katelman said. “I said, ‘Jeff, you know I have this condition,’ and just without hesitation, he said, ‘Just tell me what you need me to do.’ And then he met Fanny and they clicked, and there we are.”

In December 2024, Green pledged a transformative grant of $8 million to fund Dr. Elahi’s research by establishing a translational center dedicated to studying cerebral small-vessel diseases—a key contributor to neurodegenerative disease. The goal is to address the major gaps in the drug development pipeline for CADASIL and to develop an effective treatment. Green, Katelman, and Dr. Elahi view the effort as more of a collaboration than a financial transaction. Treatments for CADASIL could have broader societal impact, given the many features it shares with other age-related disorders that affect the brain’s blood vessels.

“I think there’s an opportunity for perfect synergies—where DataPhilanthropy is very focused on data, and this challenge is very conducive to data and AI,” Green said. “Fanny’s extremely committed and passionate enough to navigate the system that often seems to prevent progress. And then Steve’s openness and collaboration and evangelism—there are some outcomes that could be world-changing on this.”

Katelman had seen several other CADASIL doctors around the country before he discovered Dr. Elahi a few years ago, when a friend read something about Dr. Elahi’s work at the University of California, San Francisco. After the Icahn School recruited Dr. Elahi to join its faculty in 2022, Katelman continued to see her.

Dr. Elahi has put together a multi-disciplinary team of researchers and collaborating institutions that aims to enhance the understanding of CADASIL by using cutting-edge technologies and modeling approaches. She described Green’s grant as “essential” to her work as a physician-scientist.

Dr. Elahi and team

“I’ve always said that if I couldn’t do research, I wouldn’t be a neurologist,” said Dr. Elahi. “It’s incredibly difficult to diagnose someone with a disease that has no available treatment. But as a physician-scientist, every patient I see not only deepens my understanding of the disease—it also strengthens my resolve to find solutions. I went into this field to solve problems. Knowing that our work could one day change the lives of patients fuels everything we do—and this grant makes that future feel within reach.” What’s crucial to Dr. Elahi’s research is the flexibility this grant will provide. Studying CADASIL with the goal of developing a treatment requires the ability to fail fast and pivot—a Silicon Valley-style approach to innovation that resonates deeply with a tech entrepreneur like Green.

“I’m a big believer in people that are passionate and focused—it’s the only way that you can put up with all the red tape, all the blockers,” Green said. “I just saw in her a commitment to progress the research. ‘One way or another we’ll figure it out’ is an attitude you often don’t hear from doctors.”

The potentially profound impact of this grant—and this unique collaboration with Dr. Elahi and Mount Sinai—is not lost on Green, either.

“There’s a version of the future, where Steve unfortunately having this can change thousands or more lives, just because we are more aggressive in getting ahead of it,” Green said. “It’s unbelievable to be a part of something that can potentially do that. To me, there’s all these challenges of trust in so much philanthropy. And then this case, when we’re all going as fast as we can and [we’re] open to transparency and data but also open to failure—I think we have the best chance at having the biggest outcome. I’m super optimistic and just eager to hear about progress.”

Fortunately for Katelman, he has thus far experienced few symptoms beyond occasional dizziness, lightheadedness, and fatigue, particularly after airline travel. He, too, is enthusiastic about the possibilities of collaborating with Dr. Elahi and Mount Sinai.

“Ultimately, obviously, if we found a cure to prevent it—awesome, you know?” Katelman said. “I’ve had a very successful and well-awarded advertising career, but this would be the feather in my cap.”

Introducing Our Modern Lactation Lounge Made Possible by Philanthropy

Updated on Aug 26, 2025 | Featured

From center, David L. Reich, MD, and Lisa M. Satlin, MD

Mount Sinai recently celebrated the grand opening of a newly renovated Lactation Room in the Jo Carol and Ronald S. Lauder Newborn Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Kravis Children’s Hospital. The private space, away from the bedside, is designed with the comfort and needs of lactating parents in mind.  The hospital celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking a significant step forward in supporting NICU families.

“Breastfeeding can be a challenging journey for any parent, and even more so when a baby is in the NICU,” says Megan Clampet, MSN, RNC-MNN, NICU Nurse Manager. “A calm and quiet space for pumping is essential to ensuring breastfeeding parents have the support they need to provide milk for their babies.”

The renovation was made possible by the support of a grateful family of two NICU graduates. Their kindness stems from a deeply personal place, as they wished to give back to other NICU families and to the dedicated Mount Sinai NICU team, who provided exceptional care for their twins.

“The generosity of our donors will go a long way in improving the experience for our NICU families.  Any and every way we can lessen the burden during such a stressful time has the potential to make a huge difference for parents, and we are incredibly grateful for the generosity that made this new lactation room possible,” says Courtney Juliano, MD, System Chief, Newborn Medicine. “We know the space will be an invaluable resource for our NICU parents,” she says, “Empowering them to continue their breastfeeding journey with comfort, privacy, and peace of mind.”

The serene and fully equipped lactation room offers a quiet escape for parents to privately pump breast milk away from the bedside. Every detail has been carefully considered to enhance comfort and privacy, with a design informed by input from prior parents with firsthand pumping experience.

The NICU Lactation Room features:

  • Private pumping pods ensure a tranquil and personal environment for each parent.
  • Comfortable chairs allow parents to relax and focus on pumping.
  • Mobile device holders enable parents to read, watch, or listen to their favorite media while keeping their hands-free for pumping-related tasks.
  • A water cooler provides essential rehydration during pumping sessions.
  • A sink and microwave provide convenient access for cleaning and sterilizing pumping parts.

Mobile device holder

Each year, approximately 1,000 NICU parents utilize this space, which is more than just a place to pump.  For parents who choose to breastfeed, it is a place to take a necessary break from the bedside, while continuing to support their baby’s health and development.  With the recent renovations, this space truly provides a peaceful reprieve.

This renovation is a major step forward in the Kravis Children’s Hospital plan to revolutionize children’s health—both in how and where we treat our young patients. Right now, we are seizing the moment to create a leading-edge environment of care that is centered on parents and children in a way that has never been seen before in the metropolitan area. Having listened to our community of families and caregivers, this forward-looking vision calls for a complete transformation of the Hospital that will welcome our youngest patients into a fully supportive and family-friendly world.

Take an Interactive Tour of the Planned Renovations

To learn more or to support children and families at Mount Sinai, please contact Jennifer Cole, Senior Director of Development, at jennifer.cole@mountsinai.org. Together, we can bring lifelong health and wellness to countless children throughout the region while developing innovative research to help babies, children, and adolescents worldwide.

The Gift of Healing: Philanthropy Supports NICU Music Therapy

Updated on Jul 25, 2025 | Featured

A newborn receives music therapy in the NICU

In the bustling heart of Mount Sinai’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), a groundbreaking project is unfolding, one that promises to change the lives of our tiniest and most vulnerable patients. This initiative, supported by a generous $257,000 gift from TMCity Foundation, aims to explore the profound impact of “song of kin” on the respiratory function of preterm babies.

“This funding enables our team to advance research that explores how parent-supported music therapy can strengthen respiratory function and neurodevelopment in our most vulnerable infants,” said Joanne Loewy, DA, LCAT, MT-BC, Professor at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, founding Director of the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine, and co-leader of the project with Rachel Reed, MD, Assistant Professor in the Division of Newborn Medicine.

Louis Armstrong

Louis Armstrong

The core of this research lies in the concept of “song of kin,” where parents or caregivers select a meaningful, culturally relevant, or personally significant piece of music, often a lullaby, which music therapists then use as a therapeutic intervention. The hypothesis is simple yet profound: when preterm babies hear this song, it will improve their respiratory function, leading to enhanced neurocognitive development.

This practice is not just about babies.

Such interventions have been shown to reduce parental stress and anxiety, help families transition the infant home from the NICU, and provide valuable insights for NICU staff to incorporate these interventions into routine care.

“By integrating and entraining familiar and culturally meaningful music, we hope to build healthier outcomes for preterm babies and strengthen the parent-child bond at a critical developmental stage,” explains Dr. Loewy.

The funds will support two dedicated music therapists who will study the role of entrainment—the synchronization of an infant’s physiological rhythms, such as breathing or heart rate—in live music therapy interventions to promote stability and regulation. Using technologically advanced monitors that measure lung volume capacity, the collected data will then be evaluated. The expected outcomes are promising, with the potential to revolutionize the standard of care in NICUs worldwide.

A family music therapy session in the NICU
A newborn receives music therapy in the NICU
A family music therapy session in the NICU

“TMCity is excited to support this important research into the benefits of music therapy for neonatal infants,” said Belen Cox, Executive Director of Philanthropy at TMCity Foundation. “We believe this work will build the evidence base for effective NICU treatments and make a meaningful impact on how we care for the development of vulnerable babies.”

TMCity Foundation is committed to funding cutting-edge research opportunities and transformative technologies that can advance our understanding of the brain and create innovative, real-world solutions to neurocognitive health care problems, making this project is a shining example of what can be achieved when like-minded organizations come together.

“We are extremely grateful to the TMCity Foundation for their generous support and belief in the power of music to transform neonatal care,” said Joanne Loewy.

As the project unfolds, the findings will not only benefit the babies at Mount Sinai but also inspire other institutions to explore the healing power of music. This initiative is more than just a research project; it is a beacon of hope for families and a testament to the transformative, healing power of music.

Learn more about the Louis Armstrong Center for Music and Medicine
Support this Life-changing Program at Mount Sinai