SNN_August 2022 Issue_web low res

SPINAL NETWORK NEWS 5
Supporting
Positive Futures
Hans Wouters
CEO’s Column
tasked by Prof Clarke with filling a library. She was given the
responsibility to develop a resource that would impact
individuals newly affected by spinal cord impairment, their
whānau, clinicians and pretty much anyone who came
through the doors or contacted the NZST.
To have been with us for 20 years is such a huge milestone
and is worthy of not only celebration but also our deepest
gratitude. Our staff and trustees gathered in Bernadette’s
honour and said ‘thank you’. We thanked her for all she
has done to contribute to the success of NZ Spinal Trust
and the many thousands of people that her diligent skill
and care has benefited.
LEGEND: Dr Bernadette Cassidy is one of the all-time greats of the NZST.
Last night we had a surprise party!
A bit of background info for you first. The median job
tenure for women in New Zealand is three and a half years.
With that statistic in mind, how does any woman raise
four fabulous kids living awesome lives (some of whom
are now raising their own fabulous kids) AND reach 20
years’ continuous service in a very demanding role?
It is said that great organisations are built on the
shoulders of giants. Although our founder Professor Alan
Clarke has passed away (2007) there is still a giant in our
midst and long may she remain.
Dr Bernadette Cassidy has just celebrated 20 years of
continuous service for the NZ Spinal Trust (NZST), and
more importantly, serving the thousands of individuals
and their whānau who have transitioned into "life after
bugger" as Prof used to call it.
On Monday July 8, 2002 Bernadette (not yet having achieved
her PhD) stood in the empty Allan Bean Centre and was
She showed immense
grit and determination to
overcome that loss.
—Hans Wouters
I have many things in my life I am grateful for and less
than a handful of things I regret. One thing I regret was
not having the pleasure of meeting Prof Clarke, however
one thing I am grateful for was working in the Allan Bean
Centre facility.
What an amazing space that was. The Allan Bean Centre
(ABC) had a very special feeling and much of that was due to
the library that Bernadette created and championed. It was
spacious. It was glorious—with its high raked ceiling taking
your eye to the massive picture window wall which framed
the most magnificent elm tree, still standing today.
I mention these things because losing the ABC
post-earthquakes cut very deep for Bernadette. I have no
doubt on more than one occasion since we moved out
(eight years ago last month) she may well have
contemplated her future at NZST. It would be fair to say
the impact of losing the ABC was most affecting and
profound for Bernadette above all our other services. Its
loss was huge for her.
Bernadette’s traverse through this life-changing event is
paralleled daily by new spinal cord impairment patients
whose world has been turned upside down by an
unexpected catastrophe.
She showed immense grit and determination to overcome
that loss and forge a new path for our resources and how
we deliver them. With the help of her colleagues
Bernadette has overcome, and given the NZST Resources
Centre a bright future. Who knows what that future may
hold in regard to where we base our services from? One
thing is for certain she is far from finished and we have
collective hope for our future.
So, we had a surprise party and it was a great privilege to
honour Bernadette in front of her peers and just as
importantly in front of her family who added to the
surprise value by attending as guests of honour.
Thank you very much Bernadette, we look forward to our
next party with you. And may it be many years from
now—when you retire!