When surgical procedures were not enough and the prognosis was bleak, a patient’s family wanted to do something to honor the life and memory of its loved one. Frank Culicchia, MD, from West Jefferson Medical Center in suburban New Orleans, suggested making donations to celebrate the life of that loved one by supporting research and education at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) through the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF).
In similar spirit:
- A grateful patient, who underwent successful brain tumor research five years ago, recently honored her neurosurgeon with a gift to the NREF in his name.
- Friends of a well-respected and accomplished neurosurgeon honored him and his work with a donation to the NREF, maintaining that he set the standard for others to emulate.
These are a few examples of how people have honored the memories, lives or lifelong work of colleagues and loved ones. A named donation to the NREF, in the spirit of surgical advances and saving lives, is possible through the NREF’s “Celebrate a Life” campaign. The campaign will be unveiled this fall, and materials that can be provided to patients and their families will be made available to AANS members.
NREF supports basic science and clinical-based research projects by annually awarding one- and two-year fellowships and Young Clinician Investigator awards to the most promising young neurosurgeons. Their studies are aimed at solving the neurosurgical crises of today, paving the way for life-changing advances in the neurosciences. The grant applications are reviewed and scrutinized by a committee of neurosurgeons who determine which projects merit funding, using a rating scale similar to the one used by the National Institute of Health.
Kristen A. Weber is AANS director of development, (847) 378-0540 or [email protected].
NREF donors are recognized at www.aans.org/research/neurosurgery/donor.asp.