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a head injury, the skull bone marrow releases cells that migrate to the brain. “We think these cells support brain recovery after injury. If they do, we can use drugs to encourage them to help heal the brain after a concussion. There are already FDA-approved drugs in the United States which could achieve this.” "Findings from this research could potentially be applied to spinal cord injury and brain tumours as well." Sam’s project is backed by Dunedin’s Carolyne and David Smith, who are thrilled to help accelerate concussion research. “All Foundation grants are worthy, but in the end, it was an easy choice to support Sam's wonderful research into the impact of concussion,” said Carolyne, a Foundation supporter for 23 years. The couple’s granddaughter Scarlett sustained a serious head injury after falling from her bike five years ago. “Scarlett’s now doing well at university, but it’s been a long journey. She’s had incredible help from many professionals along the way yet still faces lingering problems.” The couple believe concussion is only now getting the research it deserves, given the long-term impact it can have on young lives with the unfolding severity of symptoms. “Initially, Scarlett was given only one day off school despite having vomited the previous day. Doing the correct investigations years later showed that Scarlett had fractured her spine in five places. Lucky us that she’s done so well.” LE IN CONCUSSION Long-term Neurological Foundation supporters Carolyne and David Smith were thrilled to be able to support Sam’s head injury research. They are pictured with their granddaughter Scarlett who suffered a concussion five years ago. If you, or someone you know, is suffering from a head injury, there are a number of incredible organisations that provide support and services, including Brain Injury NZ, Headway, the AUT Traumatic Brain Injury Network, the Laura Fergusson Trust, and the NZ Rugby Foundation. Headlines 15