Summer 2010

If I were to think of one characteristic that bests describes The Neuro, it would be that we are not afraid of risk. Without risk, there is no innovation, and without innovation, we would never be making so many breakthroughs in treating neurological diseases and improving peoples' lives.

In the spirit of our institution, I'm going to take a little risk right now, reject the conventional donor letter and not ask you for your donation immediately. (If you donate, I will be delighted of course.)

I am writing to you today to open a dialogue with you. I think talking and sharing stories helps us all deal with tough issues in life such as aggressive brain tumours and the hard reality that the people we love are not immune to neurological diseases. Few of us will actually get through our lives without a brain-related disease or at least knowing someone who has been afflicted with one, whether it's a tumour, dementia, Parkinson's disease, or a stroke-induced loss of the use of a limb.

That may sound a little grim but of course, hope always triumphs over darkness at The Neuro. The fact is, we are making so much progress here and your donations make it all happen. We can now track genes that cause some of these diseases. We're closer to understanding autism and multiple sclerosis. Patients with aggressive brain tumours are living longer lives because of new treatments. Just ask people like Yves Ferland, his wife and children, and others what a difference The Neuro has made in their lives. I hope this inspires you to write to me.

I'm hoping that over the summer, you'll take the time to savour life and all its exquisite moments. You'll hear from me throughout the year, and occasionally, I will outright ask you to give to our world class institution because your contributions make all the difference.

Regards

David Colman