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12 Headlines Theresa Liebenberg was born and spent most of her life in South Africa, where her immediate family still lives. Theresa is married, with three beautiful children, and moved to New Zealand with her family in 2009. She and her husband were schoolmates before they were husband and wife. After high school, they parted ways and Theresa went on many adventures including working for South African Airways traveling the globe. When she returned to her hometown for a high school reunion, her husband-to-be and her met again and were married nine months later. When looking back at their family’s move to New Zealand, Theresa has no doubt it was the best decision they made. “We realise that we made the best decision possible… New Zealand has given us so many opportunities to grow and learn as a family.” 1 in 5 Kiwis are affected by a neurological condition. That statistic hit home for Theresa, the Neurological Foundation’s Upper North Island Donor Relation Specialist. Although it did not happen in New Zealand, Theresa’s cousin died On her own pathway of hope For Theresa, the message was loud and clear, that yes 1 in 5 Kiwis are affected by a neurological condition, but many more are affected indirectly. Instead, they are affected when the ones they love, a mother, grandparent, friend or even cousin, are the ones living with the condition. Theresa provided us with a hopeful and warm thought when asked about the future of the Neurological Foundation. “In my role, I am privileged to meet supporters who have close connections with neurological diseases and disorders. It affects so many people and their loved ones. It is humbling to listen to stories of lived experience and at the same time it drives me to support our donors in the best way possible. The Neurological Foundation gives me hope for the future, even my own.” suddenly of brain cancer at the age of 42 . “The feeling of loss of a loved one made me realise that it could have been my husband, mother, child or myself. We are not immortal.” Theresa and her family were living in New Zealand at the time and she never had a chance to say goodbye. She remembers it as a shocking and poignant time for herself, as she was quite close with her cousin. “He was a gentle, kind and seemingly healthy person and I realised that I, for one, have completely underestimated the power of my brain and the power it has over my body.” When the opportunity arose at the Neurological Foundation, Theresa thought about how she had been affected by a neurological condition. She was content in her current position but wanted a new challenge. Turns out Theresa would find a new home at the Foundation and it was one of the best decisions she made. “I am so happy to work for the Foundation as everyone employed is committed and passionate about our pathway to hope for the people of New Zealand.” “I was blown away with the range of brain research funded by the Neurological Foundation and the remarkable breakthroughs that are made because of this. I was eager to learn more and hoped that I could become part of the team.”