SNN_December 2022 Issue_web low res

NEW ZEALAND SPINAL TRUST 6
in Auckland. Selena Dominguez and Karen Craven from
ACC came along on day one and were impressed with the
calibre of the team and how wonderfully we all worked
together despite meeting new people from all over the
country for the first time. After the ladies left, I was struck
by the positive comments from our team as they were truly
encouraged by ACC's desire to help us get this across the
line. Selena and Karen weren’t attending just as
funders—determined to keep an eye on us—they were
there to contribute and get a greater feel for our work and
the need for it. This is the power of bringing a team together
to achieve something far beyond what you could do by
yourself and has the ability to deliver very special results.
Many of you, our readers, regularly contribute to our
appeals or are regular financial supporters and I have no
doubt your continued support is what is helping us grow
and develop our services to help more people. The Back
on Track Appeal early in the year has given us the
opportunity to rewrite Back On Track exactly as we want
to without restriction. Bernadette, Julian, Paul and Kathy
are making great strides in the preparation of the new
book. You will see it in 2023 and we can't wait to show it to
you. As I like to say, “put your sunnies on, the future’s
looking bright”.
Finally—Have you ever met someone for the first time
and come away feeling impressed by them? Not by their
achievements or status or good looks but just by who they
are—their presence. My good friends at Spinal Support
NZ and I were representing our two wonderful
organisations and our new Peer Support Network at the
ATSNZ Expo in Auckland recently (Thanks ATSNZ for
hosting us). The expo had just ended for the day and
everyone had moved to another part of the venue, I was by
myself and about to join my colleagues when Brad Smeele
rolled past looking for the exit. I have never had the
pleasure of meeting Brad before, so I caught his attention
and enjoyed 10 minutes together. There is something
special about Brad—I was taken by his peaceful
demeanour and, dare I say it, zen. I am looking forward to
reading the article about Brad in this issue of SNN and his
book is first on my list for summer holiday reading.
I wish you all a blessed and peaceful Christmas and look
forward to the next time we meet.
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