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“I t brings back lovely memories and gives me purpose. I was so busy with Bill, but I've managed to fill the gap on grey days”, says Jan, aged 74. The couple started their craft business, BJs Colourways & Collectibles, from their Invercargill home after Bill had an operation on his brain in 2002. "He was struggling with his balance so stopped working as a builder. We thought about what we could do together," says Jan. Sadly, Bill died in 2022. Since then, Jan has regularly donated profits from selling wares at the Riverton Craft Shop to the Neurological Foundation – and a loyal 12-year partnership with the Foundation isn't the couple’s only legacy. Because Huntington's disease runs in Bill’s family, he decided to donate his brain to the Neurological Foundation Human Brain Bank. Jan was rapt when brain bank co-director Professor Maurice Curtis rang with Bill's pathology results. "It was amazing to have that personal touch. I'll never forget it." Her hope is the Foundation's latest tear research (see story on page 4) will result in an easier diagnosis tool for the 13,000 Kiwis living with Parkinson's. "While it was too late for Bill, I just wish he was here to see howmuch science is progressing." “IWISHHEWASHERETOSEE HOWSCIENCE ISPROGRESSING” Jan Gibb knits colourful garments and makes original embroideries in memory of her late husband Bill who lived with Parkinson's disease for 30 years. THE FORESIGHT OF A GIFT INWILL Joan Pearson firmly believes in the value of research: if scientists can discover the root cause of disease, something can be done about it. Her own science background, combined with her loved ones’ personal experience, has led to a deep and ongoing connection with the Foundation. Joan’s late husband, Scott, who lived with Parkinson’s disease for 33 years, shared her trust in research. In an act of incredible generosity, Joan has included a substantial gift to the Foundation in her Will. We are so grateful to Joan and Scott, whose foresight means future generations of Kiwis will benefit from the kind of brilliant research that you can read about in this issue of Headlines. Have you considered including a gift in your Will? To start a conversation, call our Gifts in Wills Manager, Margie Carter , on 021 042 8114 , or email margie.carter@neurological.org.nz Jan and Bill Gibb 6 Headlines