New NREF Giving Opportunity Offers Solace, Hope
“In lieu of flowers …”
The new Celebrate A Life memorial and tribute giving program of the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) not only enables family members to remember a loved one who has passed, it also offers patients a way to honor and thank their surgeon and medical team for care. The program additionally affords medical professionals the opportunity to recognize and appreciate their colleagues and loved ones … all for the benefit of resident and young clinician neurosurgical research and education.
For example, surgical procedures may not be enough to save the life of a loved one. However, many families find comfort in knowing that their loved one’s life could contribute in some way to helping the lives of others. Frank Culicchia, MD, from West Jefferson Medical Center in suburban New Orleans, had just such a case.
When his patient, Cindy Gough Barbier, died after battling a glioblastoma multiforme, her family wanted to know how they could honor her memory. Dr. Culicchia suggested honoring her memory and providing hope for others by supporting neurosurgical research and education at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
“If we as neurosurgeons can talk to our patients’ families about the option of organ donation, why not also approach them about remembering their loved ones in another positive way,” Dr. Culicchia observed. “As an alternative to routine remembrances, we can offer the family and friends information about making a gift in support of neurosurgical research through the NREF.”
Others have chosen to make gifts in appreciation of the care given to them or their family members by their neurosurgeon and medical staff. One such donor expressed extreme gratitude to her neurosurgeon. While others told her that the tumor in her brain was inoperable and she had only a few months to live, her neurosurgeon saw a different outcome, operated and saved her life.
Support of research projects can be designated for a desired area, such as glioblastoma multiforme, and a family can find comfort in knowing that intense research is being funded and monitored by the NREF. Most importantly, supporting NREF allows family members to pay tribute to their beloved while allowing them to give the gift of hope to other families.
Celebrate A Life Program Materials
Armed with NREF’s new brochure, neurosurgeons now have the means for educating patients and their families on ways to memorialize or pay tribute to those closest to them. Copies of the Celebrate A Life brochure will be sent to all AANS members in hospital or private practice settings. Information regarding the program also is available online at www.AANS.org/research.
All donations support the NREF’s one- and two-year fellowships and Young Clinician Investigator awards to the most promising young neurosurgeons in support of their research projects. 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 scrutinized by a committee of neurosurgeons to determine which projects merit funding. Support of NREF through the Celebrate A Life giving program will assist the foundation with funding key research projects in areas such as brain tumors, epilepsy, spinal cord injuries and Parkinson’s disease.
More information about the Celebrate A Life program, NREF and other ways of making a contribution is located at www.AANS.org/research and is available by phone at (847) 378-0540.
Michele S. Gregory is AANS director of development.