Where has their hair gone?

On the 22nd of August we will shave our heads at the Regional Scouting Office (50 Filleul Street) in Dunedin. The event will be held at 4pm.

The Neurological Foundation depends solely on the public for its funds. It uses its money to continue research into diseases of the brain and nervous system, including but not limited to Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and motor neurone diseases, strokes, multiple sclerosis, migraines, epilepsy and traumatic brain injuries.

Three years ago our mother knew that there was something wrong with her head. She was able to pay for a private scan, which happened on a Thursday. This scan found that our mother had a brain tumour, as well as a large cyst, which instigated immediate action.

She was admitted into hospital on the Friday and had the tumour removed on Monday. Mum had to have half her head shaved for the surgery.

We knew since 2013 that our grandfather had Alzheimer's. Early last year he reached the stage that our grandmother was no longer able to care for him on her own, and he moved into a rest home. He now lives in the Special Care Unit at Yvette Williams Retirement Village.

Our grandfather was a teacher and Principal of many rural schools in the South Island. He was always organised and active. Now he cannot do anything for himself. Sometimes he doesn't even recognise us.

The Neurological Foundation funds research for things like brain tumours and Alzheimer's. We know how these things can affect families and friends as well as the person themselves. It's a terrible thing to go through.

If no funds go into research no progress can be made for these debilitating conditions and they will go on to affect more and more people.

Without the research that has already been done we know that it's likely that some our family wouldn't be with us today.

All the money we raise will go directly to them to help further this research, and reduce the suffering of people with neurological disorders in the future.