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·	Recognizing and Remembering Mentors
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·	Where The Money Goes

Remembering Loved Ones

by Michele S. Gregory

When surgical procedures were not enough and the prognosis was bleak, a patient's family wanted to do something to honor the life and eventually the memory of a loved one. Frank Culicchia, MD, from West Jefferson Medical Center in suburban New Orleans, suggested making donations in memory of that loved one in support of research and education at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).

The family wanted to know if their loved one's life could contribute in some way to the lives of others, and Dr. Culicchia said yes. He told them that through the support of research projects in the desired area (in their case it was glioblastoma multiforme), the family can find comfort in knowing that intense research is being funded and monitored by the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) of the 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 neurological research through NREF."

Most importantly, supporting NREF allows family members to pay tribute to their beloved, allowing them to move forward with hope instead of looking back at the pain.

The NREF annually awards 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 reviewed and scrutinized by a committee of neurosurgeons who determine which projects merit funding.

Learn how you can remember loved ones through the “Celebrate a Life” memorial and tribute giving program.