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Headlines 3 September is "Gifts in Wills" month, a wonderful opportunity to document your wishes and consider leaving a legacy that will benefit future generations. Legacy is what it means to be human. Your legacy captures your values, forged by your experiences, which are used to build the future. One way to leave a lasting mark is by including a gift in your Will. Such a gift fuels research, advances neurological treatments, and offers hope to Kiwi families facing devastating diagnoses. Sue Stewart’s story highlights the importance of legacy gifts. Her husband, Malcolm, was a renowned New Zealand rally driver. In 2008, their lives changed when Malcolm was diagnosed with motor neuron disease (MND). His diagnosis brought their fast-paced world to a halt. Sue cared for Malcolm throughout his illness, witnessing the harrowing progression of MND. “When you receive the devastating diagnosis, your world stops and your life is changed forever,” Sue reflects. Determined to make a difference, Sue decided to leave a gift in her Will to the Foundation. “My hope is that no one else has to endure what we went through – that there will be cures for these diseases. Maybe not in my lifetime, but for the next generation,” she says. Sue’s story reminds us of the incredible impact legacy gifts have. By including the Neurological Foundation in your Will, you’ll contribute to a future where neurological diseases are better understood, treated, and cured. Your gift funds research projects, accelerates science, and provides resources for breakthroughs. It’s a meaningful way to support the Foundation’s mission, ensuring your values and commitment to neurological research live on. Even a small gift can make a significant impact. You can write or update your Will for free online through our partner, Gathered Here. It’s simple and takes only 10 minutes to do. Go to gatheredhere.com Our upcoming events We host regular events on Zoom. Our exciting calendar was still evolving as we went to print. Please check neurological.org.nz/events or phone us on 0508 BRAINS (272 467) for the latest listings. Margie is the Neurological Foundation’s Gifts in Wills Manager. She has experienced firsthand the devastating impact a neurological condition has on families. Her father suffered frommultiple sclerosis for 25 years, and her mother is currently in fulltime dementia care. “I understand only too well how lives can be impacted by a neurological diagnosis. “Please give me a call on 021 042 8114. I’d love to chat about how leaving a gift in your Will can make a huge difference.” LEAVING A GIFT IN YOUR WILL – paving the way for neurological breakthroughs “My hope is that no one else has to endure what we went through.” Sue Stewart