Welcome Letter
Hal C. Lewis, Ph.D., DLF Co-Chairperson & David Margulies, M.D., DLF Co-Chairperson | Fall 2022

As Co-Chairs of the Dan Lewis Foundation for Brain Regeneration Research (the DLF), we are pleased to introduce you to the DLF’s first quarterly newsletter—Making Headway: DLF NeuroConnections. This newsletter will bring reviews and updates on research relevant to brain regeneration. Each issue will highlight a prominent neuroscientist contributing to the field of brain regeneration or a research program advancing medicines and methods to accelerate recovery from brain injury, especially for those in the chronic phase of recovery. In this inaugural issue, we will present the story of Dan Lewis, the namesake, and inspiration for our research foundation. You will also find a link that will take you directly to our website, which provides detailed information about the goals and methods of the DLF. In the coming months we will be adding information regarding resources and events that may be helpful for individuals with serious brain injuries and their families.


The overarching goal of the DLF is to pursue biomedical breakthroughs that will one day improve the lives of those affected by serious brain injury. We aspire to make a broad range of biomolecular medicines and other biomedical therapies available to the vast population of people with moderate and severe brain injuries. We will continue to raise funds and direct such funds toward the most promising and empirically supported biomedical therapeutics. In addition, by supporting programmatic research, the foundation aspires to expedite clinical trials - joint efforts between research institutions, biotech companies, and individuals with brain injuries and their families. The DLF is eager to stay in touch with the needs and aspirations of the brain injury community and its allies. Please visit our website. You will find much more detailed information about the DLF’s objectives and activities and ways you can contact us with questions and/or comments.


You have our sincere thanks for your interest in the DLF and your curiosity about the most cutting-edge approaches to brain regeneration and improving recovery rate and function of persons with serious brain injuries.


With best regards and hopeful wishes for the future,

David Margulies, M.D,

Hal C. Lewis Ph.D.


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Rethinking Stroke Recovery: New Insights into Neuronal Remapping and Rehabilitation Potential

By Dan Lewis Foundation • November 13, 2024
Stroke is a common neurological condition that damages brain cells (neurons) in the affected area, leading to a loss of the functions controlled by that region. A hopeful aspect of stroke recovery is that, over time and with rehabilitation, many individuals regain some abilities. This recovery has been linked to a process called “remapping,” where neurons in unaffected areas of the brain adapt to take over the functions of the damaged areas. Although many studies have explored this remapping phenomenon, most evidence has been indirect, based on changes in brain activation patterns or neuron connections after stroke in animal models. Direct proof that neurons change functionality after stroke has been lacking, partly because measuring neuron activity in the brain over time, especially at the necessary scale and duration, is challenging.
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Devon’s Journey – Two Years Post-Accident

By Dan Lewis Foundation • November 6, 2024
After a life-altering accident in October 2022, Devon Guffey’s story is about resilience and determination. His journey has been profiled in the summer 2023 issue of the Making Headway Newsletter: https://www.danlewisfoundation.org/devons-story . Hit by a drunk driver, Devon sustained severe brain and physical injuries, including axonal shearing, a traumatic frontal lobe injury, and facial fractures. Even after contracting meningitis while in a coma, Devon fought hard to survive – and today, his recovery continues to inspire us all. In late 2023, Devon worked as an assistant basketball coach at Blue River Valley, where he had once been a student. His love for sports and dedication to regaining his physical strength returned him to the gym, where his hard work paid off. Devon’s persistence earned him another job at the YMCA, guiding gym members and supporting facility upkeep. Through all the challenges—deafness in one ear, blindness in one eye, and a permanent loss of taste and smell—Devon perseveres. He recently regained his driving license, a significant milestone that symbolizes his increasing independence and cognitive and physical recovery. While each day may not show significant changes, Devon now sees his progress over time. Today, Devon speaks to groups about his journey, the dangers of drunk driving, and finding strength in adversity. His message is clear: recovery is a process, and sometimes, "can't" simply means "can't do it yet ." Every TBI is unique, and Devon’s story powerfully reminds us of the strength that comes from resilience and community. We are grateful to Devon for continuing to share his story and for his role in uplifting others facing difficult paths. His journey is a testament to the fact that we are stronger together. #BrainInjuryAwareness #DevonsJourney #Resilience #EndDrunkDriving #MakingHeadway
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