Adelaide 36ers announce the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation as an official charity partner

The Adelaide 36ers are proud to announce the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation (NRF) as an official Charity Partner for the NBL 21 season, dedicating their home game on Friday 21 May against Illawarra Hawks to help raise awareness for neurosurgical research.

Formed in 1963 and the first of its kind in Australia, the NRF helps fund research into the cause, diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of disease, injuries, or malfunction of the brain, spine, and nerves.

The foundation funds conditions such as Concussion, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Injury, Parkinson’s disease and Brain Tumours. These conditions and diseases affect thousands of South Australians every day which is why investing in research is so crucial.

Chairman of the Adelaide 36ers, Grant Kelley, knows all too well about the importance of neurological intervention as it is a cause close to his heart. In 2011, his mother, Barbara, suffered a traumatic brain injury and was saved by renowned Adelaide neurosurgeon Dr Amal Abou-Hamden.

Returning from a 40^th birthday celebration, when walking up a steep driveway, Barbara fell and hit her head, causing a brain haemorrhage. Three lifesaving neurosurgical procedures were needed to stop the bleeding in her brain. Barbara and her family are extremely grateful to the neurosurgical team at the Royal Adelaide Hospital and particularly Dr Abou-Hamden for saving her life.

"Mum is only with us today thanks to the brilliance of Dr Abou-Hamden and her team, for which we as a family will always be eternally grateful,” Grant continued.

Adelaide 36ers Head Coach, Conner Henry, recognises the importance of the foundation and the need for neurosurgical research, especially in the sports industry.

“In high-impact sports such as basketball, there is an increased risk for individuals to experience concussion and brain injury. So, the work that the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation does is important for our club, and we are honoured to be supporting them at our next home game,” said Conner.

Adelaide 36ers import and guard Brandon Paul agrees with his coach and expresses his support for the foundation, “ My father was a football player and had to go through an emergency neurosurgical procedure that saved his life and allowed him to be able to walk today, it’s comforting to know that there is dedicated research that goes into preventing these conditions.”

The Adelaide 36ers x NeuroSurgical Research Foundation home game on Friday 21^st May will feature coin collection tins at each door of the Adelaide Entertainment Centre for donations, where donators will be able to receive a special ‘squeezy brain’ stress ball. Fans will also be able to give cashless donations. All donations over $2 are tax deductible and all profits will go directly to NRF research.

Read more about the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation and their work. To make a donation to the NeuroSurgical Research Foundation, click here. 

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