About Us
A brief history and introduction toTASC activities and Commitee Profiles
TASC was originally founded in 1991 by a group of high level spinal injured people as a support group, which has gradually evolved into the present organization. TASC has now built up a vast network of volunteers who with their various experiences are able to offer moral support, advice and information to the new patients in the Spinal Unit. TASC covers the same geographical area as the Auckland Spinal Rehabilitation Unit, which is from New Plymouth, Taupo, across to the Eastern Bay of Plenty, up to Cape Reinga.
Back on Track
TASC helps to run Back on Track meetings which are held every 2nd Thursday afternoon at the Spinal Unit. We have guest speakers who come and talk with new patients about their experiences on a wide range of subjects. These afternoons are very well attended. Back-On-Track is open to everyone - see Calendar for more details.
The Buddy System
The Buddy System has been operating successfully for several years. Our coordinators visit every new in-patient in the Spinal Unit to explain what the Buddy System is all about. If the new patient is interested in this service, the coordinator sets out to find a Buddy for him or her. Through our network of Tetraplegics and Paraplegics we are able to provide a suitable buddy who will visit the new patient several times while he / she is in the Spinal Unit and, if possible, again after discharge. Spouses, parents, children and other family members can also ask for a buddy.
Some of our Commitee Members
Murray Cohen — Vice President
Murray was President of TASC from 1998 until 2003. He is a C4/5 Tetraplegic and injured himself in 1987 when diving into a swimming pool. Murray is a regular visitor at the Spinal Unit and ia vital part of our team.
For me, TASC is about being amongst people with disabilities and their whanau, accepting their friendship and assisting them in any way within my powers, to achieve quality of life.
Pam Fergusson — A Tribute
Pam Fergusson was was president of TASC. She brought with her over 20 years of experience working with the buddy system, as well as many community groups. Injured as a young lady Pam learned that she had to adjust quickly in order to get the things that she wanted in life. She was one of those rare people that looks for the positive in a situation and moves on from there. Pam became a T7/8 Paraplegic in 1965. She was later to marry and has raised three very successful boys." I find the buddying of newly injured spinal patients very worthwhile and I find it inspiring to see how people come to terms with their level of disability during their stay here at the unit." Pam died in 2010 and will be sorely missed by many!
Tom Callagher — Secretary
Tom Callagher is the Secretary of TASC, and helps to keep everyone on their toes! He was one of the people who helped it to grow from only having Bimonthly meetings, to gaining permanent office space at the Spinal Unit, employing two part-time staff and purchasing the TASC van. He was also involved in seeing TASC acknowledged by both South Auckland Hospital patients and family emotionally and practically after an accident. The patients are shown and informed by buddies of their changed lifestyle, and family are able to talk to non-medical people. TASC also forms a nucleus for ex-patients and we see a good muster on Show-Off Day!ealth and ACC, with contracts to both. For me TASC helps
Harold McIsaac — Treasurer (pictured here with his wife Mary)
Harold McIsaac, TASC's Honorary Treasurer, has been involved with TASC since its inception. His eldest son, Robert (TASC's founder), a tetraplegic was very involved in the court action against ACC which resulted in the achievement of 24 hour care. As a Chartered Accountant with his own practice, he has the resources to back up these efforts. Harold has also developed a caregiving agency, approved by TASC.
Mclsaac Caregiving Agency is contracted to ACC for supply of specialised home care for spinal injured persons.
Wayne Te Rangi — Committee Member (pictured here with his partner Missy)
Wayne Te Rangi was injured in 1985, and is a C4 complete tetraplegic. He is a committee member as well as one of our buddies. Wayne is a very talented mouth painter working with the MFPA. He likes to keep active and so also runs a fishing charter business along with Tom Callagher.
I think that TASC is about improving the outlook on life for both tetraplegics and paraplegics. This is achieved by support, sharing of experiences, and bringing encouragement to live as independent a life as possible. That is why I feel that the buddy system is so important and successful and that it can create life-long bonds between people.
Ann Phillips — Buddy Coordinator (pictured here with her Husband Don)
Ann is pictured here with her partner Don. Ann joined TASC in July of 2002. She works in the office at the Spinal Unit overseeing the Buddy System, Back on Track Meetings and Outings. Ann is a wonderful addition to our office.
I love working for TASC; especially when I know that it makes such a difference to peoples lives. I think that the biggest thing for me is the realisation that I get to have a part to play in their rehab and in helping to get them back home!
Anita O'connor — Office Manager
Anita joined the TASC team in 2005.She works in the office with Ann and is the Office Manager as well as organising the Show Off Day and puts out the newsletter.
"Working for TASC is a most rewarding job. I really enjoy being able to help SCI people both while they are in the unit Oand after when the hard work really starts when they leave the unit and head home".
Dean Brennan — Publicity Officer
Dean has been a TASC committee member since 2005. He maintains our website and forum as well as being one of our buddies. He is currently studying the latest web design applications and host/maintains other non-profit organization websites.
“TASC has been a great encouragement to me in my progression into the virtual world and I am now enjoying the mouth painting classes that TASC have on Tuesdays.
