Nancy Karp, B.A. ’90, believes research saves lives — detecting disease earlier, improving outcomes and delivering hope when it’s needed most. In late 2024, that conviction became personal when she scheduled a proactive full-body MRI to screen for cancer and other conditions.
The scan identified what appeared to be a macroadenoma of the pituitary gland — typically a benign, noncancerous tumor. Still, the word “tumor” was devastating.
“I was completely blindsided,” said Nancy, COO of Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design. “My mind went straight into panic mode, and I was determined to find the very best doctor.”
She turned to Ricardo J. Komotar, M.D., professor of clinical neurological surgery in the Miller School’s nationally recognized Department of Neurological Surgery and surgical director of the Sylvester Brain Tumor Institute.
Dr. Komotar moved swiftly, ordering a high-resolution MRI and reviewing every detail. The result brought profound relief: not a tumor, but a benign cyst requiring no surgery — only careful monitoring.
Nancy’s relief was immense. Equally powerful was the care: the speed of access, the depth of expertise and the reassurance at every step.
“Progress in neurosurgery depends on partnership. Gifts like this don’t just support research — they shape the future of care.”
“Dr. Komotar’s clinical judgment, experience and meticulous attention to detail made all the difference,” she said. “I have absolute confidence that I’m in the best hands for my situation.”
That gratitude quickly evolved into purpose. Nancy and her husband, Kobi Karp, established the Neurosurgery Brain Tumor Program Endowment in the Department of Neurological Surgery.
“We are deeply grateful and believe in giving back,” said Kobi, founder and CEO of Kobi Karp Architecture & Interior Design. “If our gift can accelerate neurological research and help these extraordinary physicians change someone’s outcome, that’s exactly where it belongs.”
The endowment will generate annual support in perpetuity for brain tumor research led by Dr. Komotar, creating a sustained engine for discovery rather than a one-time gift.
“The annual distributions will fuel clinical trials — the lifeline of new brain tumor therapies — and accelerate translational research that moves breakthroughs from bench to bedside,” Dr. Komotar said.
The fund will also seed bold, early-stage projects that often struggle to secure federal funding, with a strong focus on gliomas, among the most aggressive and devastating primary brain tumors. It will also expand opportunities for trainees and early-career investigators.
“We are profoundly grateful,” Dr. Komotar said. “Progress in neurosurgery depends on partnership. Gifts like this don’t just support research — they shape the future of care.”
