Whenever Palm Health Foundation hosts a brain health event, you can bet Patty Cooke will be there with her ever-present smile and enthusiasm. She and her husband, Peter, have supported the foundation since 2012, giving their time and treasure to a cause that is meaningful to them personally, and to a foundation they believe is investing in a promising brain health vision that will benefit everyone.

“The brain is the most important part of your body,” Patty said. “What I love is how Palm Health Foundation is bringing mental health to the forefront.”

Patty’s love for Palm Health Foundation’s innovative approach led her and Peter to open The Cooke Family Fund, a donor advised fund dedicated to brain health, mental health, and the neuroarts. 

“Mental health is so important in today’s world,” Patty said. “Most people don’t realize until it affects them.”  

Like many families, mental health has affected the Cookes personally, but the foundation has given them hope for all people through its vision for a “Brain Coast.” The foundation has united with South Florida’s world-renowned brain science institutions, innovative research and education leaders, and engaged community partners to create a thriving brain health ecosystem that will transform the region into a powerful force to change the world. 

“Palm Beach County is on the cutting edge,” Patty said. “We have the best resources here.” 

Patty saw the promise for a regional Brain Coast early on when she served as a committee member for Palm Health Foundation’s Better Brain Health Luncheon in 2020. Commenting on the youth who presented she said, “Their innovation blew me away. Thank God for our youth.”

As an avid lover of the arts with a talent for antique furniture restoration, Patty also believes wholeheartedly in Palm Health Foundation’s leadership of the Palm Beach County NeuroArts Collaborative to advance health and wellbeing. 

“The arts are so relaxing and self-satisfying to the soul,” she said. “It’s really good mentally, to get away from all the world’s problems.”

Every aspect of brain health is important to the Cookes, which is why they trust Palm Health Foundation to direct their fund where it will make the greatest impact. 

“Brain health is going to affect everyone in their lives,” she said. “If not them, then somebody they love. Palm Health Foundation is investing in so many ways to help people. It’s a great organization that keeps growing.”