The Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation
Celebrate a Life – NREF’s memorial and tribute giving program
The NREF Celebrate A Life memorial and tribute giving program of the Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) started with one neurosurgeon, one patient and one family…and now it has grown in to a giving program destined to make a difference in the lives of others while offering patients and their families the chance to honor, thank, and remember their loved ones, surgeon or medical team.
It also affords medical professionals the chance to recognize and appreciate colleagues and loved ones…all to the benefit of research and education. If you have lost a friend or colleague, why not do something special, like making a gift in their name to NREF, and celebrate their importance in your life.
As an alternative to routine remembrances, we hope you will offer your patients and their families and friends information about making a gift in support of neurological research through NREF. We look forward to working with you to educate the public about alternative ways to remember and honor those they love while also recognizing and appreciating those who have made a difference in their lives.
One family’s story
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).
For additional information about NREF and Celebrate a Life program materials, please contact Kristen A. Weber, Director of Development at 847-378-0500 or kaw@aans.org.
Bob Watson, MD was the first neurosurgeon in Arkansas. As an intern, he used to write to me, offering me support and giving me encouragement. Later, after I finished my training, I returned to Arkansas and our relationship developed into a close friendship. He was an inspiration to me while his wife, PLD Watson, was a role model for my wife.
-Frederick A. Boop, MD, Memphis, TN
"Our son Nicholas died as the result of a car accident in which he sustained massive head injuries. While the medical science of today could not save Nick, perhaps with the help of donations such as this, NREF can work to save the lives of other sons and daughters..."
--Dan & Jennifer Prouty, De Pere, WI
"The Neurosurgery Education and Research Foundation (NREF) in my judgment, serves as the hope for the future for both our patients and our profession.
Having received the Cushing Medal was without question an honor unto itself and it was exciting. That it served as a stimulus for additional contributions to the NREF made the whole process more then doubly rewarding.
NREF grows by both small and large contributions. To know that individuals could be helped and that research could be enhanced and advanced in my name was an extraordinary experience, because everyone wins."
--Stewart B. Dunsker, MD
AANS Board of Directors President (2000-01)