Houston, Texas – August 21, 2019 – The Will Erwin Headache Research Foundation (WEHRF), recently brought together researchers, Houstonians, and friends in Aspen, CO for an exciting evening of socializing, fundraising and education. The focus of the event was to share the ground-breaking research and progress being made at The Will Erwin Headache Research Center.

“It was an honor to host this event,” said WEHRF Board member Doug Knaus, who, along with his wife Kendall, held the intimate gathering at their picturesque home in the heart of Aspen. “Thousands of people suffer from debilitating headaches every day and cannot experience the quality of life so many of us enjoy. By increasing awareness and raising funds, WEHRF is creating positive change.”

Founder and President Jimmy Erwin shared the story of his son, Will Erwin, who battled with a rare type of debilitating headaches called cluster headaches. Reflecting on his family’s journey to find relief for Will from the excruciating pain, Erwin stated “He is the inspiration behind the foundation and what drives us to fight for a cure.”

It was his son’s personal experience that led Jimmy and Pam Erwin to create WEHRF, which provided the funding to establish The Will Erwin Headache Research Center at the Memorial Hermann Mischer Neuroscience Institute (MNI). This first-of-its-kind national research center opened in February 2016.

The Center’s Director, Dr. Mark Burish, discussed the groundbreaking research and advances being made toward uncovering links between circadian rhythm and cluster headaches, as well as current treatment options for patients. “There are more than 2,000 Houstonians with cluster headaches. What’s even more alarming is that within the past three months, more than 300,000 Houstonians have experienced a debilitating migraine.”

As one of only two headache specialists in the Texas Medical Center, Dr. Burish has had more than 3,000 patient visits over the last four years. The Center’s work is spreading way beyond Houston as Dr. Burish’s work is published in medical journals and he has been asked to present at international headache research conferences.

“There is still a significant amount of work to do to find a cure for cluster headaches,” stated Burish, “but thanks to the medical community and dedicated friends like the ones in this room, we are up for the challenge.”