DOCUMENT

18 | NEUROLOGICAL FOUNDATION The Personal Touch Shireen Spaull Christchurch Shireen Spaull is a regular giver of the Foundation and has been for the past 13 years. She is an advocate for the continuation of neurological research and a keen supporter of the Foundation. “This is where I decided to support the Neurological Foundation's research of the brain. [So that research could help] find cures for diseases and disorders [and] that diagnoses, and treatment can become more scientific than what I received from my doctor.” He wants to ensure that people do not have the same experience as he did, that those affected by neurological conditions can receive proper diagnosis and treatment. He also hopes that the research will find cures for those with “intellectual and mental disabilities”. William directly sponsors Summer Studentships throughout the year. This is one of the many ways that our supporters can directly participate in the neurological research they are so passionate about. “The money I gift goes to research specifically and I love that I can give to Summer Studentships and help students who may not be able to afford this financially. I enjoy being presented with the results of their hard work. It feels like I am part of it.” The Neurological Foundation would like to thank William Robins for his generous donation and support towards the Summer Studentship program. She started to donate to the Foundation in 2007, after her father was diagnosed with his second brain tumour. Shireen is a teacher by trade and has always been interested in knowing how the brain works and develops in the younger generations. So, when her father was diagnosed with a brain tumour her interest in the brain grew outside of childhood development. “My father had to have brain surgery three times to remove tumours, as well as radiotherapy, and for the doctors and surgeons to actually have the knowledge and tools to do that was astounding. If I can support that in any way that is what I am going to do.” Before her father was diagnosed with a brain tumour, Shireen’s grandfather on her mother’s side possibly had dementia and early onset of Alzheimer’s disease in the 1970s. He unfortunately passed away in 1976 and this experience also impacted Shireen’s decision to donate to the Foundation. Looking at her granddad, and how he was undiagnosed at the time, shocked her. “In 45 years, they have had so many advancements [in the understanding of neurological conditions] and what is going to happen in the next 45 years for my kids or their grandkids; I want to be a part of those achievements.” For Shireen and her family, supporting the Neurological Foundation is very important and more about the collective of giving. Shireen believes that the more people who give, even if the amount is $10 dollars a month, the more change can happen in the future. When asked, Shireen shared what she loves about supporting the Foundation outside of the advancement of neurological research. “The care and personal touch. I was surprised and delighted the donor specialist for the South Island, Kellie Bain, wanted to meet with me. I felt like a person, rather than just a dollar amount.” Thank you to Shireen Spaull and her family for their continued support over the last 13 years, it has meant the world to us.