Once again, I write to ask for your support as we organize and participate in the 6th Friends Ride for Neurofibromatosis on September 11, 2010. We have been riding the length of Cape Cod, MA (from Woods Hole to Provincetown) to raise funds and create awareness for Neurofibromatosis (NF) research. This is my 11th year on this quest.
I will ride with my son Andrés and his father-in-law, among some 25 riders. Andrés’s wife Lindsay, her Mom and my wife Susan will also be “on-duty” assisting the riders. We appreciate everyone’s support – both those who can be there physically and those who are there in-spirit.
As you probably already know, supporting NF research to find a cure is important to me! Andrés has now been cancer-free for a year. I well remember the multiple surgeries, chemotherapy, radiation treatments, and long doctor’s visits that Andrés experienced since 2007 to fight MPNST (an aggressive cancer of which 50% are diagnosed in NF patients). Over the past two years, two friends of Andres’s age have lost their fight against MPNST. There is a lot of work to be done!
This personal experience is one part of why I ride each year. I also ride to help support research that explores better treatment options and a cure for Neurofibromatosis. You may know that Neurofibromatosis is a genetic disorder that can cause uncontrolled tumor growth anywhere in or on a person’s body at any time. NF affects both sexes and all races and ethnic groups equally, and can cause deafness, brain tumors, learning disabilities, disfigurement and as with Andrés: cancer. NF is more prevalent than cystic fibrosis, muscular dystrophy, and Huntington's disease combined.
Your donation will go to promote NF research through the HarvardCenter for NF and Allied Disorders (http://www.cnfad.org).
Donations of $175 or more are matched with an extra $50!
If you prefer to donate by mail, download a mail form at: www.ridefornf.org/donationformML.doc
I am aware that the times are not the easiest, but your donations, of any size, do make a difference. Eventually we will find better treatments and a cure.
I thank you very much,
Miguel