Celebrate a Life

The NREF’s Memorial and Tribute Giving Program

The Neurosurgery Research and Education Foundation (NREF) of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) Celebrate A Life memorial and tribute giving program started with one neurosurgeon, one patient and one family. The program has now grown into 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.

This program offers donors the opportunity to recognize and appreciate others while helping to advance research and education. If you have lost a loved one or would like to pay tribute to a special person in your life, why not do something extraordinary like making a gift in their name to the NREF and celebrate their importance in your life.

"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, The NREF can work to save the lives of other sons and daughters…"
--Dan & Jennifer Prouty, De Pere, WI

For more information about the NREF and the Celebrate a Life memorial and tribute giving program, please contact the Development department at (847) 378-0500 or nref@aans.org

Attention Doctors …

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). To read more about this families' experience click here (link to remembering loved ones).

As an alternative to routine remembrances, we hope you will offer your patients and their families and friends information about making a donation in support of neurological research through the NREF. The Development Department would be happy to work with you and your staff 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.

Learn how you can help the families and friends of your patients pay tribute to their loved ones or how you can honor a mentor or colleague through the Celebrate A Life memorial and tribute giving program.

Celebrate A Life brochures are available for you and your staff to display in your office or to give to those interested in honoring their loved ones, neurosurgeons or surgical team.

The NREF Celebrate a Life program also affords medical professional the chance to recognize and appreciate colleagues and mentors … all to the benefit of research and education. Read more about recognizing and remembering mentors by clicking here (link to the bulletin article titled recognizing and remembering)

For more information about the NREF and the Celebrate a Life program, please contact the Development Department at 847-378-0500 or NREF@aans.org