The generosity of neurosurgeons, neurosurgical societies, institutions, corporations and the public have enabled the NREF to ensure the future of neurosurgery. Contributions help the NREF accomplish its mission of providing a private, non-governmental source of funding for research training in the neurosciences.
In addition to the eight educational courses funded by NREF each year, a first-time symposium for mid-career neurosurgeons is being offered, new corporate sponsorships for the Rhoton Collection® and webinars are opportunities for our partners and a new Young Neurosurgeons Circle of Giving was recently launched.
For the past five and a half years, we have been working closely with Albert L. Rhoton Jr., MD, FAANS (L) to preserve his legacy in the best possible way. The Rhoton Collection® was established to curate his material and make it available for free throughout the world. The implications of this work have already extended far beyond the original vision. For example, the Journal of Neurosurgery (JNS) has introduced a new feature that links select articles on the JNS website directly to The Rhoton Collection. With the loss of Dr. Rhoton earlier this year, his legacy of free educational videos will be abel to continue through the generosity of our neurosurgical community with donations to the Rhoton Collection. New video content has been introduced the last few months, and contributions to the fund will provide continued funding to do so in the future. Please consider a contribution to the NREF Rhoton Fund to support this material, neuroanatomical fellowships for medical students and anatomical research.
Membership opened this summer for the new Young Neurosurgeons Circle of Giving to welcome neurosurgical residents into the culture of philanthropy and is open to residents who demonstrate a commitment to advancing neurosurgery with a contribution of $500 or more. Visit the NREF website Donate page to learn more about the benefits of joining the Young Neurosurgeons Circle of Giving and other donation options. When lifetime donations reach $25,000, the individual is recognized in NREF’s premier recognition society, the Cushing Circle of Giving.
Advancing the specialty is directly related to the contributions of the individuals, institutions and organizations that share the goal to further education and research for the neurosurgical specialty. Visit www.nref.org to make a donation toward the Rhoton Collection®, your subspecialty, QOD/outcomes, education or unrestricted support. As always, we greatly appreciate the generosity of your financial support.
Community Efforts Raise Funds for Neurosurgical Medical Research
In the past year, the NREF has received donations totaling over $20,000 in memory of Kate Georgia Carney (2006-2015), an eight-year old girl from Rocky River, Ohio, who died in September 2015 after suffering a large hemorrhage from an arteriovenous malformation (AVM).
Through donations from the public and matching gifts from neurosurgeons in the Cerebrovascular (CV) Section, plans are to award a cerebrovascular research grant focused on AVMs in spring 2017. The NREF is grateful to the Carney family and their local community for their generosity in directing donations from a community-wide 5K Race and other activities in her memory.
There’s No Time Like the Present
Donations to the NREF are an investment into the future of neurosurgery. If you have ever participated in a course, received a research grant or fellowship or know someone who has, the time to make a contribution is now!
For example, a single Cushing Circle gift of $25,000 provides up to seven residents with the opportunity to attend an all-expenses-paid NREF course: an unparalleled educational and professional networking experience.
Consider spreading the word through your Section, state or regional neurosurgical society or among your peers about the research, fellowship and education programs that need financial support. NREF’s mission is your mission and is, without a doubt, an investment in neurosurgery.
Visit the NREF website for a complete list of the 24 “Honor Your Mentor” funds and other ways to contribute at www.nref.org/donate.
