Dr. Ameer Hassan, SREF Founder
Stroke Research and Education Foundation

Rebuilding lives
after stroke.

We fund groundbreaking research, support medical professionals, and provide essential education to empower the Rio Grande Valley community and prevent future strokes.

SREF team and community partners

Our Why

Why the Rio Grande Valley?

South Texas faces unique healthcare challenges, including a disproportionately high risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. At SREF, we believe that world-class neurological care and education shouldn't require leaving the valley.

We are dedicated to bringing cutting-edge research, supporting local medical students, and teaching the community how to act F.A.S.T. to save lives.

Read our story

Get Involved

Upcoming SREF Events

Join us in our mission. Whether you are a medical professional seeking advancement or a community member wanting to make a difference.

10th Annual Stroke Care Symposium
For Professionals
May 1–2, 2026 · Hilton Garden Inn, South Padre Island

10th Annual Stroke Care Symposium

CME Credits Available

Join leading neurologists and medical experts for our 10th annual review of the latest advances in stroke treatment, rehabilitation, and research. Open to physicians, nurses, PAs, EMS, and students.

Register & View Agenda
The Red Ball Gala
Fundraiser Gala
May 2, 2026 · 7:00 PM · Brownsville, TX

The Red Ball Gala 2026

Individual tickets $200 · Sponsorships from $750

Our premier fundraising gala. An elegant evening of dinner, dancing, live auction, and program at the Mitte Cultural District — all to benefit stroke research and local medical scholarships.

Tickets & Sponsorships

Our Three Pillars of Impact

We approach the fight against stroke holistically, focusing on prevention, education, and the future of medicine.

Community Education

Teaching the public to recognize the B.E. F.A.S.T. signs of a stroke to ensure rapid medical response.

Learn more

Medical Advancement

Providing scholarships and specialized symposiums for the next generation of healthcare professionals in the RGV.

View Scholarships

Research & Innovation

Funding clinical trials and research to discover better treatments and improve recovery outcomes for survivors.

Explore Research

"The foundation's support gave us hope when we needed it most. They don't just research medicine; they care about the people behind the diagnosis."

- RGV Stroke Survivor Family