We are proud to introduce you to the EANS Foundation for Research in Neurological Surgery.
Philanthropy has become a major driver for research and development and education in many countries. Our foundation was officially registered by the Swiss Federal Registry of Foundations and by the Geneva Registry of Commerce in 2021. The EANS Foundation is a legal entity, endorsed by the EANS (European Association of Neurosurgical Societies) with the strict goal to provide a legally viable and a transparent way for potential donators to support either research activities in any neurosurgical domain, or to support specific educational activities, and to fund initiatives for the improvement of care in a pre-defined context. For more information about the EANS, the scientific and administrative body of 40 national neurosurgical societies and one of the world-leading neurosurgical organizations, please be referred to the EANS Website here: https://www.eans.org/
Frequently, one of our colleagues is offered a donation by one of his or of her patients. He or she may however not be personally involved in research in a particularly targeted domain. Or, we don’t have the legal instruments to deal with individual donations. Then, the money may go to more anonymous hospital or university accounts, where large institutional committees decide for which purpose the money might be used. The latter is common practice, and it doesn’t recognize the intimate relationship between the neurosurgeon and the patient, thus depriving the donator and the surgeon from assuring that the money will be used for the envisioned field of research and in desired manner. To keep that privileged and trustful relationship between the donator and the doctor is the essence of a foundation, however, and it should not be replaced by anonymous handling of the funds.
This is where the EANS Foundation comes. To provide the option for donators to offer their contributions in a personal, humane and dedicated manner, to what they truly value.
She was called «Nini»
Catherine Wurster, medical doctor, young trainee in Neurosurgery at the University Hospital of Geneva, Switzerland.
Catherine was born on the 28th of May 1997 in Freiburg, Germany, and she passed away at the age of 26 succumbing to the effects of a Traumatic Brain Injury after an accident in the Alps. She held dual Belgian-German nationality and lived in Alsace, France, where she studied medicine at the University of Strasbourg, before starting her professional career in Geneva. Catherine was a ray of sunshine for her family and friends. She loved nature and animals. She was active in sports, in running, biking, swimming, and an excellent horse riding and skier.
Catherine always aspired to become a doctor and demonstrated exceptional determination in pursuing her goals with passion and perseverance. For her trainee colleagues, she was a pillar of strength and trust, always standing up for her beliefs with courage and conviction. Her unique ability to bring people together and celebrate every little moment, whether happy or sad, was a rare gift. The long days in the hospital were brightened by her dynamic presence, her unforgettable spirit of life, and her contagious laughter.
Catherine lived with an audacity and freedom that inspired admiration. Her passing is a tragedy for her parents and a great sadness for all who knew her.
She made an enduring impact on her colleagues and patients, far beyond what one would expect from someone so young.
As she can no longer help people herself, this annual scholarship is established in Catherine’s name within the EANS Foundation, with the aim of educating, inspiring, and encouraging young neurosurgical trainees to achieve their goals or to pursue humanitarian causes. The scholarship also aims to raise awareness about TBI, which can happen to anyone.
Her parents, Mathias Wurster, a teacher, and Dr. Vera Van Velthoven, Prof. Emerita of Neurosurgery at the University Hospitals of Freiburg and Brussels, are donating these scholarships to continue Catherine’s journey and to honor her memory.
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