In late 1998 Rotary District 9930, which include The Rotary Club of Taupo, was asked by Noela Vallis, President of the Spinal Cord Society of New Zealand to assist in raising $100,000 so that a New Zealand research scientist could join a team in the United States of America researching spinal cord injuries.

Rotary clubs in the district, and in particular the two Taupo clubs, supported the project and so the task of raising the necessary funds began. Special mention must be made of the Rotary clubs of Putaruru and Huntly who, with special functions, raised $21,000 between them.

The Spinal Cord Society NZ was formed to support paraplegics and other spinal injuries and has the motto "Cure not Care".

Neuro-scientist Dr Deborah Stewart was chosen to travel to the United States in July 1999 to join the research team at the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Dr Stewart worked on the research programme until her return to New Zealand in July 2001.

Part of her work involves developing primitive cells known as 'stem cells' that can be developed into nerve cells or neurones. Research is taking place into the injection of these cells into the spinal cord in attempts to regenerate the nerve pathways of the spinal cord. From this it is eventually hoped paraplegic people may be able to gain considerable, if not all, the functions of their legs.

With continuing support from Rotary and other organisations Dr Stewart is continuing her research at The Centre for Innovation at Dunedin, and also continues to share her findings with the spinal cord team at the University of Alabama. 

As part of the recent Rotary Awareness Week in October 2001 our club raised more funds towards this on-going research. We collected donations from businesses in the CBD, shoppers, visitors, and participants in the Dirty Dog Day-Night Mountain Bike Thriller being held in the town on the day. We also ran a 'spin the wheel' raffle based in Horomatangi Street. Click on an image below to see us at work.

On 11 July 2002 Dr Stewart, accompanied by Noela Vallis who is president of the NZ Spinal Cord Society, spoke to our club and brought us up to date on her work. 

Rotarians from Taupo Moana, Turangi, Te Puke and Matamata clubs attanded. Apologies were received from Fairfield, Huntly and Mt Maunganui clubs. These and other clubs in the District have all contributed to the NZ Spinal Cord Society in the past. At the conclusion of the talk PDG Ron Horsley presented a cheque to Noela Vallis as a further contribution to the research from District 9930 Rotary Clubs. 

l-r: Noela Vallis, PDG Ron Horsley, Dr Deborah Stewart.

For More Information Contact:

Rotary Club of Taupo, P O Box 274, Taupo, New Zealand       or

NZ Spinal Cord Society, 428 Hinuera Road, R D 2, Matamata

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