__________, 2007

Dear family and friends,

As most of you are aware,  _________  was recently diagnosed with a desmoid tumor, a rare disease which has had little research attention and for which there are few existing treatments that are only sporadically effective.   Instead of just sitting back and accepting this situation, I have decided to try to make a difference.

I am working to raise money for The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation* which is currently funding groundbreaking cutting-edge desmoid tumor research at three top cancer research institutions.  For details, see www.dtrf.org.  These studies promise to provide critical information relating to the causes and treatment of desmoid tumors. We are now raising funds to keep these and other important research projects moving forward.

From personal experience, I know that the diagnosis of desmoid tumor is traumatic as you realize that it can be life-threatening, but because it is so rare and under-researched, there is little known about its causes or treatments. We are thrilled that DTRF is now getting the medical community to focus significant research efforts on this rare and often devastating disease.  In addition, this research also is likely to provide important findings applicable to up to 50 other types of sarcoma cancers, as well as colon cancer.

Every donation, whether large or small, will make a difference!  We extend our heartfelt appreciation for any support you can give in the quest for a cure!  

Donations can be made by sending a check made out to The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation, Inc. to me in the enclosed self-addressed envelope (or, if you send this by email, say "to me at such and such address".)  Donations can also be made online at dtrf.org/dtrf_donations.htm.

Thank you so much in advance for your generosity!

Sincerely,
[your name here]

 * The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation, Inc. has been determined by the IRS to be a tax-exempt Section 501(c)(3) organization.  Your donation is fully deductible to the extent allowed by law.  Details on the foundation can be found at www.dtrf.org.

(Instructions:   Make a list of all checks collected, together with donors' names and addresses, then send the list and the checks to The Desmoid Tumor Research Foundation, PO Box 273, Suffern , NY 10901. A donor's check will be his receipt for tax deductibility purposes, except where a donation is $250 or more, in which case DTRF will send a receipt directly to the donor at the address you provide.  Thank you!  If you have questions, write marlene@dtrf.org ).