The Ben Kende Foundation has generously donated $86,000 (HKD$450,000) towards medical research for people affected by spinal cord injuries.
The funds will support the research of Professor Simon Gandevia, Deputy Director and Foundation Scientist at Neuroscience Research Australia and UNSW Medicine & Health.
“Our foundation has long noticed the work of Prof Gandevia, who is a leader in brain and nervous system research,” says Ben Kende, Founder of the Ben Kende Foundation. “His work on neurostimulation is a promising space for spinal cord injury research and we are excited to support progress in this area.”
What is neurostimulation?
Neurostimulation, described by Professor Gandevia as a “hearing aid for the spinal cord,” involves the use of tailored electrical currents to improve the way the brain and body communicate.
“Neurostimulation may restore meaningful movements that would be otherwise impossible. Volunteers in research overseas have even been able to stand and walk. Currently, my team at NeuRA are testing this promising technology in a rigorous clinical trial for the first time,” said Professor Gandevia.
“Support from donors such as the Ben Kende Foundation enables the research to move forward, closer to solutions for spinal cord injury.”
Towards a meaningful contribution for spinal cord injury
Ben Kende was a rising star of Hong Kong rugby when he sustained a spinal cord injury. He then had to adjust to life as a tetraplegic with limited use of his arms and no use of his legs.
“In Australia, the NDIS does a great job of addressing immediate needs and issues for people with spinal cord injury, but we need to support the discovery of knowledge that will lead to long-term solutions,” says Ben Kende.
“I hope to make a tangible impact on the development of neurostimulation research across the world and ultimately help improve the quality of life for people with spinal cord injury,” says Ben Kende.
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