We are about the future! By promoting translational research, we will change how we speak about brain development and behavioral health.
I formed CHCF in honor of my only son, whom I tragically lost in 2020. He was an incredible athlete and explorer, and we shared a tremendous love for solving complex problems through scientific and critical thinking. I was, and will always be, honored to be his father. My son will remain in my heart every moment for the rest of my existence.
I hope to keep his memory and intrepid spirit alive by establishing this foundation. Because he always called me a fixer, I don't want to let him down by giving in to despair, grief, and regret. Although I know it's too late to change the past for my beloved son, I feel I must do whatever is in my power to improve the future for others.
It’s Time to Redefine Mental Health Starting with the Language We Use
For too long, society has approached mental health through the wrong lens, one shaped by fear, stigma, and outdated assumptions. The very words we use mental illness, psychiatric disorder carry centuries of baggage, often implying moral weakness, personal failure, or unpredictable danger. These terms may have served a historical role, but they now stand in the way of progress.
It’s time to rewrite the narrative.
At the CHCF Brain Foundation, we are reframing how we talk about and study brain health. We are abandoning stigmatizing language and replacing it with a more accurate and compassionate framework rooted in modern biology: neurodiversity. This shift is not just semantic it is scientific and ethical.
Advances in genetics, neuroscience, and system biology show us that human behavior and brain function are extraordinarily complex and individually varied. Every person is born with a unique genetic blueprint that influences how they think, feel, and interact with the world. What was once considered “abnormal” may, in fact, be a reflection of natural variation in the human brain not a pathology to be feared or erased.
We must stop pretending that cognitive and emotional differences are merely the result of trauma or poor choices. While environment certainly matters, there is mounting evidence that many so-called “mental illnesses” stem from deeply rooted biological factors some identifiable at birth or even in utero. The label of "illness" oversimplifies this reality and distracts us from real solutions.
Instead of asking “what’s wrong with you?” we should be asking “what makes your brain different, and how can we support you?” This change in perspective can fundamentally alter how we design health systems, classrooms, and public policies. It can help us focus on inclusion, early intervention, and dignity rather than punishment, marginalization, or institutionalization.
The term neurodivergent has gained traction in recent years, typically referring to individuals with autism, ADHD, or dyslexia. But we believe the concept should be expanded. Depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia these too may be part of the broader spectrum of neurodivergence, and they deserve to be treated with the same scientific curiosity and human empathy.
At CHCF, we are committed to:
Ending the use of outdated labels in our institutional language;
Advocating for scientific research into the genetic and molecular basis of brain health;
Educating the public on the biology behind cognitive and emotional diversity;
Working with policymakers and educators to create systems that reflect the science of neurodiversity;
And fighting for the rights and dignity of all individuals—whether they are considered neurotypical or neurodivergent.
This is more than a rebrand. It’s a reorientation of values one that places science, compassion, and individuality at the heart of brain health.
Mission: Serious conditions that affect the brain will one day be diagnosed, treated, and cured just like any other diseases.
Vision: To advance unbiased research, early diagnostics, and curative therapies for brain-related disorders by uncovering genetic and epigenetic root causes, while educating and engaging stakeholders, healthcare professionals, and the broader community.
Our Strategic Plan:
Year 1-3: The focus will be placed on educational programs and advocacy outreach activities to clarify the critical importance of basic and applied research to understand neurodivergence and the molecular causes (genetic and epigenetic) of life-threatening brain diseases included but not limited to severe mental health conditions.
Year 3-5: The focus will be placed on advocating for innovative research projects. To achieve this, we will be focusing on establishing standard operating procedures for a) publishing request for proposal; 2) to establish a streamline process to review of the submitted proposals; 3) establish necessary compliance to ensure public transparencies.
Year 4-10: The focus will be placed on strategies to translate research findings into products that would benefit patients with serious and life-threatening mental health conditions. This long term is achieved through partnership with academia, government and industry to facilitate the development of a) in vitro diagnostic kit which will be FDA cleared or approved and intended to be used by newborns for early detection of genetic and epigenetic markers of serious and life-threatening mental health disease; 2) curative genome and epigenome based therapies that target critical but validated novel mechanistic targets identified by the scientific community though conduct of genetic and epigenetic research.
CHCF Partners:
Help Us Advance Brain Health
Help Us Advance Brain Health
Your support can change lives. We are committed to pioneering research that uncovers new ways to diagnose and treat complex brain conditions, ensuring everyone receives the care they deserve. By funding innovative medical breakthroughs, we aim to bridge the gap between mental and physical health, offering hope to those affected by serious neurological disorders. Every donation brings us closer to a future where cutting-edge science leads to personalized treatments and better outcomes. Join us in making a difference.
Your support can change lives. We are committed to pioneering research that uncovers new ways to diagnose and treat complex brain conditions, ensuring everyone receives the care they deserve. By funding innovative medical breakthroughs, we aim to bridge the gap between mental and physical health, offering hope to those affected by serious neurological disorders. Every donation brings us closer to a future where cutting-edge science leads to personalized treatments and better outcomes. Join us in making a difference.
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