Obituary of Cynthia Louise Harden

May 26, 2026

Cynthia Louise Harden, M.D.
1957–2026

Cynthia Louise Harden, 68, a neurologist whose research transformed the care of women with epilepsy, died peacefully in her Manhattan home on May 26, 2026. For nearly three years, she navigated glioblastoma with extraordinary bravery and a resolute spirit, never losing the relentless strength that defined her life. 

During a career spanning over four decades, Cynthia published more than 140 scientific papers and became one of the nation's leading epilepsy experts. She served in major leadership roles within the American Academy of Neurology and the American Epilepsy Society, chaired national guideline committees, and helped develop evidence-based standards of care now used globally by neurologists. Her work influenced the treatment of thousands of patients, and countless women with epilepsy, shaping how physicians approach reproductive and endocrine health in neurological disease.

Born in the small town of Augusta, Wisconsin, she excelled in academics and earned money for her college studies by playing keyboards in her brother Jon’s oldies band, Out of Limits. She earned her medical degree at the University of Wisconsin Madison School of Medicine before moving to New York City, a town she deeply loved and never left. As a New Yorker, Cynthia served her internship and initial residency at St. Luke’s Hospital, completed her neurology training at Mount Sinai Hospital, and completed a fellowship in clinical neurophysiology at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. 

Repeatedly named among America's top physicians, Cynthia’s long and varied career in academic medicine included publishing original research papers and neurology guidelines for the American Academy of Neurology. She held numerous leadership positions in the American Epilepsy Society and had an impressive track record of successful clinical leadership in comprehensive epilepsy program development. Her research demonstrated important links between epilepsy and reproductive health and challenged long-standing assumptions in the field. 

While a working physician, in the early 90s Cynthia returned to her love of music and keyboard playing, joining the band The Hungry Dutchmen, where she met Alec Cumming. She and Alec founded Bite the Wax Godhead, writing and recording songs while performing regularly at legendary NYC rock clubs like CBGBs, McGovern’s and Lauterbach’s, where Cynthia’s humorous yet biting feminist raps gained notoriety and a loyal audience. After Cynthia gave birth to daughter Julia, the band dissolved and the couple eventually divorced. Cynthia and Alec remained united in raising Julia, currently the bassist and lead singer of Sunflower Bean; Julia also released her first solo album this year.

Colleagues and friends remember Cynthia as much for her enthusiasm as for her scholarship. She lived and breathed music, loving opera, rap, and indie/punk rock ‘n’ roll. Cynthia adored ballroom dancing, competing and winning competitions around the country. She also delighted in travel, beautiful clothing, excellent restaurants, good wine, and most importantly, having fun. Family holidays often ended in singing, whether everyone was prepared to participate or not. Her favorite activity was hosting dinner parties for friends and family, and making everyone feel special and included. Her laughter, persistence, and mischievous sense of humor were every bit as memorable as her intellect.

A Lutheran throughout her life, she approached faith much as she approached science, with seriousness, humility, and curiosity. During the final chapter of her life, she returned often to Jesus, finding the same invitation to courage and compassion that had guided her work. Her friends knew her generosity matched her candor, and her patients knew she would never stop searching for a better answer on their behalf.

Dr. Harden is survived by her daughter, Julia Cumming; her sister, Susan Harden; her brothers, Jon and Kim Harden; her former husband, Alec Cumming; her dear friends, Tanya Amari and Carmela Isabella; and by the many colleagues, students, and patients whose lives were changed by her work and friendship.

A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2026, from 3:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Greenwich Village Funeral Home at 199 Bleecker St, New York, NY 10012. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to the Glioblastoma Research Foundation or via music and T-shirt purchases at the Bite the Wax Godhead Bandcamp site, where 100% of the proceeds go to the Glioblastoma Research Organization. Donations can also be made to the Cynthia L. Harden Research in Women with Epilepsy Award, which was established to support research into neuroendocrine issues affecting women and girls with epilepsy. 

“I have found that having a humble outlook is the most effective and comprehensive way to open your heart and mind to gain an understanding of everyone and everything around you,” Cynthia wrote. “My advice is that you should live your life bravely, kindly and with love and conviction, and don’t worry too much about what people think of you.”

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