A disease of the brain or spine can devastate both the patient and his family.

It is well-known that the great ‘Superman’, Christopher Reeves, was physically crippled due to spinal fracture. Lance Armstrong, a cycling legend, had to undergo surgery for removal of testicular tumour which had spread to his brain. Both of them showed extra-ordinary courage in the face of adversity.

In India, the patients requiring neurosurgery face financial adversities along with the physical and mental challenges posed by these diseases.

Surgical problems related to brain and spine are on the rise in India, due to increasing vehicular accidents. More and more brain and spinal problems of non-trauma origin are now getting diagnosed due to availability of MRI and CT scan. Many patients with brain and spinal disorders are young. They are valuable earning members for their families. Most of these patients come from lower socioeconomic strata. They are compelled to go to substandard treatment centres due to lack of money. This translates to a less than appropriate chance of success. A fund for helping patients with neurosurgical problems is thus the need of the hour.

Which patients are eligible for help?