“We want to help Dr. Bernstein build evidence for the holistic approach we know works. Our hope is that her work will unlock answers for the millions who suffer from migraines.” —JONATHAN LAVINE

From childhood through his 40s, Jonathan Lavine endured pain and other symptoms of migraine headaches. After consulting numerous neurologists, he met Carolyn Bernstein, MD, FAHS, nearly a decade ago. Thanks to her, Jonathan’s pain and quality of life drastically improved.

Bernstein, a Brigham neurologist who specializes in migraine research and care, takes a holistic approach to pinpoint patients’ migraine triggers and learn about their symptoms, which can include nausea, vomiting, and sensory, motor, and speech symptoms in addition to head pain. Bernstein also recommends a combination of medication and complementary treatments including chiropractic therapy, meditation, and acupuncture.

Seeing the effectiveness of these techniques firsthand, Jonathan and his wife, Jeannie, have given over time to support Bernstein’s rigorous research on the efficacy of complementary medicine, educational workshops for patients and Boston community members, and efforts to improve access to complementary care typically not covered by insurance. Recently, the Lavines committed $2.5 million to establish the Lavine Family Distinguished Chair in Neurology, with Bernstein as the first incumbent. Their giving will propel her research and help enhance community education and care access even further.

“We want to help Dr. Bernstein build evidence for the holistic approach we know works,” Jonathan says. “Our hope is that her work will unlock answers for the millions who suffer from migraines.”

Bernstein sees this gift as an opportunity to enhance care for a neurologic condition that remains poorly understood. “Holding this distinguished chair is a great honor, and I will make maximum use of these resources to continue our research and education efforts,” she says. “I’m incredibly grateful and humbled by Jonathan and Jeannie’s partnership.”

Jonathan is among an estimated 148 million people worldwide who live with chronic migraines, while many others experience episodic migraines. The Lavines want to help prevent and treat pain by empowering Bernstein’s work.

“There’s nothing worse than watching someone you love in excruciating pain,” says Jeannie. “Dr. Bernstein has been the only person able to help Jonathan find relief. She treats me as a partner in his care; it’s just extraordinary. We tend to focus our giving based on leaders we trust, and we implicitly trust Dr. Bernstein to lead this work forward.”