Offer could help unlock answers

Peter Garelja

A former Northland high school principal suffering from Parkinson's Disease is offering his brain to science for research on neuro-degenerative diseases. And it may well end up in the hands of a former student who is now a leading scientist will be part of that study.

Peter Garelja, who retired from Tikipunga High School in 2013, was diagnosed with Parkinson's eight years ago and hopes his offer will help provide vital clues about neurological diseases.

"Even in death, I want to make a contribution ... by donating my brain to the Neurological Foundation's Human Brain Bank, in the hope that it will be of assistance in the provision of vital clues about neuro-degenerative diseases, such as Parkinson's Disease.

"I do this, knowing that one of the key researchers in this area is Dr Malvindar Singh-Bains, a student at Waitakere College, when I was its principal."

Although he did not teach her, Mr Garelja said he always knew Dr Singh-Bains would do something very special.

"She was in the top 10 students I've come across in my life," he said.

Dr Singh-Bains was one of the top three finalists in the University of Auckland Young New Zealander of the Year category this year. She is most well known for her work in promoting brain health and awareness. She was full of praise for her former mentor.

"Although he was an authoritative figure, he was always a down-to-earth person and very approachable. For him, it was all about students which was a good thing," she said.

"As the student rep on the board of trustees, I was in the role of liaising with parents, teachers, and students and he always made me feel comfortable and I felt as if I was talking to one of my peers."

Dr Singh-Bains referred to Mr Garelja's brain offer as the "rolls royce" or the ultimate gift to science.

"If we can unlock any new answers about what he was suffering from, it will benefit the community and I think it takes a lot of courage and support from his family and all the emotions that come with it as far as his offer goes," she said.

Mr Garelja is among 230 Northlanders who have Parkinson's and are registered with Parkinson's Society Northland.

Experts believe there are more out there that have yet to be diagnosed.

"Parkinson's is not just physical but there's a whole lot happening secretly and there's a good chance we'll see an increase in (people suffering from) movement disorders among people in future," Mr Garelja said.

His message to those experiencing an early onset of the disease is to see their doctors as soon as possible.

"By the time you're diagnosed, you've lost 80 percent of dopamine. I am lucky I can access health care in New Zealand because the medication for Parkinson's is expensive."

Parkinson's Awareness Week will run from tomorrow to November 7.

Parkinson's New Zealand chief executive Deirdre O'Sullivan has urged Kiwis to give generously during the awareness week and to learn a bit more about living with a brutal condition which could affect anybody at any age.

- Read more on Mr Garelja's fight in our 48 Hours feature section.