UofL, UofL Health and Kosair for Kids open expanded Pediatric NeuroRecovery Center

The University of Louisville, UofL Health and Kosair for Kids today celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting of the newly expanded Kosair for Kids Center for Pediatric NeuroRecovery, a transformative milestone in pediatric rehabilitation, research and care.

“This extraordinary new space is no longer a promise, it is a reality,” said UofL President Gerry Bradley. “It enables our exceptional pediatric neurorecovery team to further expand what is possible for children recovering from spinal cord injuries and neurological conditions.”

Located within UofL Health - Frazier Rehab Institute, the new 13,631-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility brings clinical care, therapy and research together in one space, creating a first-of-its-kind environment designed to accelerate recovery and expand access for children with spinal cord injuries and other neurological conditions. 

“This ribbon cutting represents far more than a new space. It represents new possibilities for children and families,” said Andrea Behrman, director of the center and professor in UofL’s Department of Neurological Surgery. “We now have a purpose-built facility that matches the innovation of our work, allowing us to deliver more intensive therapies, expand research and ultimately improve outcomes for the children we serve.”

For more than a decade, the program has been a national leader in pediatric neurorecovery, growing from serving one child per day to more than 20 daily therapy visits. The new facility replaces previously fragmented spaces, creating a cohesive environment that enhances collaboration among clinicians, researchers and families.

Supported by a $1 million grant from Kosair for Kids, along with $2 million in federal funding through the Health Resources and Services Administration and additional philanthropic support, the expansion increases the center’s treatment capacity by 33%, allowing up to 24 children per day to receive life-changing therapies.

“Kosair for Kids has proudly supported this program since its beginning, and today we celebrate what that commitment has made possible,” said Barry Dunn, president and CEO of Kosair for Kids. “This new space allows us to reach more children, provide greater hope and continue delivering on our promise to help every child live life to the fullest.”

The expansion also reflects strong leadership and advocacy at the federal level. Congressman Morgan McGarvey and former Congressman John Yarmuth helped secure critical funding to support the project. In addition, a meaningful bequest from the estate of Jane Burian, in memory of Dr. Frank J. Burian and Henrietta S. Burian, will leave a lasting legacy for the children and families served by the center.

“While research is a critical part of the broader program, our role at Frazier Rehab Institute is delivering the daily therapy that makes a difference for families,” said Miranda Garvin, president of Frazier Rehab Institute. “It is this unique model that has elevated Frazier to one of the top rehabilitation centers in the country. This new space will offer children access to advanced rehabilitation in a way that simply isn’t available in most settings.”

The center plays a critical role in advancing research through the Kentucky Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, helping translate scientific discovery into real-world recovery. By conducting research alongside clinical care, the center accelerates the impact of scientific inquiry on patient care, strengthening UofL’s position as a global leader in pediatric neurorecovery.

Facility highlights include:

• Fully integrated therapy and research spaces to accelerate collaboration and innovation 
• Specialized treatment areas for children and teens of all ages 
• Private consultation rooms to support families and care teams 
• A welcoming, family-centered common space for caregivers 
• Advanced rehabilitation technologies tailored to pediatric needs 

In addition to clinical care and research, the center will serve as a hub for training future therapists, physicians and researchers, ensuring continued advancement in the field for years to come.

Support from the Shelley Trimble Fund for Pediatric NeuroRecovery continues to help families access critical therapies, regardless of insurance limitations, expanding the reach and impact of the center’s work.