URGENT!!! NF NEEDS YOUR HELP!!!! Deadline: Wed, April 9!
Just received this from my friend, Dr. Moore, at MD Anderson. I’m writing my letter now! I hope you can too! Here are 2 links that will make it real easy for everyone to send a letter!
Or, scroll down to the bottom of this blog and you’ll find ready-made letters to key subcommittee members . All you have to do is replace Lou’s Name and Address with your own then FAX it to the number on the letter. It’s that easy!
Reggie and Lou.
See below for info on the Department of Defense research program in Neurofibromatosis. It is a real good program that funds research to try to find a cure or treatment for NF but they have cut the funding down to $8M from $25M, I guess because of all this Iraq mess. I plan to write a letter to my Congress representatives and thought it would be helpful for you to also. Note that the deadline is Wednesday. I bet this would be a good topic for discussion on your Blog and might get some of those folks to write also!
Bart
Subject: NF Research Action Item – Advocacy Help Needed!
As you may know, Neurofibromatosis is one of eight disease groups included in the Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP). This program has been vital to many of the advances made in NF research in the last ten years. Funding has declined from a peak of $25 million in FY2005 to $8 million in FY 2008. We need your help in encouraging our legislators to preserve this program.
Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) is circulating a “Dear Colleague” letter asking his fellow Senators to sign on and support a $20 million dollar appropriation for FY 2009. It is important we write to both our Congressman and Senators, but the deadline for signing this letter is April 9th. We all understand that our country faces financial challenges, and $20 million is a high ask in this environment. However, the funding invested in this program has produced tremendous results, and with enough support we hope to preserve this program with a modest increase.
If you can do only one thing this year to support NF research, I am asking you to write a letter this weekend and fax it your Senators, urging them to sign onto Senator Harkin’s letter.
Sample letters for this program, and links to the House and Senate website to obtain their contact information can be downloaded from our website at https://www.ctf.org . The strongest appeal you can make to your legislator is by a faxed letter (followed up by mailing the hard copy), but emails and phone calls will help as well if you do not have access to a fax machine.
Advocacy is a numbers game – the more letters we can generate to our elected officials, the better our chances to secure continued funding for this program. Please ask your friends, family and neighbors to write on behalf of NF research as well.
Best regards,
John Risner, President
Children’s Tumor Foundation
Ending Neurofibromatosis Through Research
95 Pine St. 16th Floor NY NY 10005
212 344-6633 x249
www.ctf.org
Ready made letters to key subcommittee members. Just click on names, replace Lou’s name and address with your own, print and fax to the fax number at the top of each letter.
bishop
boyd
cramer
dicks
frelinghuysen
hobson
kaptur
kingston
lewis
moran
murtha
obey
rothman
lee
tiahrt
visclosky
wicker
young
Tags: bart moore, childrens tumor foundation, ctf, M.D. Anderson, neurofibromatosis, reggie bibbs
April 7th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
I hope this is something we can all be a part if. Every one on my email list will get this as well.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:14 pm
Count me in!
April 7th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Thank you. I have been getting emails from friends saying they are writing and supporting.
April 7th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
In the past, the DOD has funded grants to some of the most prominent scientists, as well as promising NEW scientists to do cutting edge research on NF. This research has led to discoveries that put us much closer to developing a cure or effective interventions, but we aren’t there yet. That’s why we should ask our representatives to increase, not decrease this funding. Every voice counts!
April 7th, 2008 at 1:42 pm
I will try to get one in before the deadline I am still NOT feeling very good my head hurts bad and I am going to lay down a little while I should be back later I really hate feeling like this it makes me feel like NOT doing nothing
April 7th, 2008 at 2:01 pm
Thank you Bart. I sent out this information to a friend of mine. She has also sent out the information to her friends as well.
April 7th, 2008 at 2:02 pm
Brian hope you feel better. Thank you for your help.
April 7th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
me too Reggie I hate feeling like this and also anything to help NF or at least try to help you know all the help we can get helps also hopefully one day there will be a cure
April 7th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
A lot of people who don’t have NF are really pitching in!!! Kudos to all of you!
April 7th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
I saw this coming, even on 9.11.2001, I said to my dad, well theres go our funding. I been doing this each year since in the 90s.
April 7th, 2008 at 4:03 pm
John I think we are going to get a lot of letters in this time.
April 7th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Just sent my letter to Congresswoman, Sheila Jackson Lee of the 18th District.
It’s really easy! I went to the CTF link above and it gives you sample letters and a link to find out who your representative in Congress is.
Go to: https://www.ctf.org/volunteer/advocacy/
Texas NF has a real easy link too. It’s at http://texasnf.org/Congress_letter2.php
You can email the letter which is great!!!! Do it now before you forget!!!
April 7th, 2008 at 7:50 pm
I just called Sheila Jackson Lee’s office. I had to leave a message because of the time I placed the call. I just may call again tomorrow. I also sent my letter to Senator Rodney Ellis.
April 7th, 2008 at 8:11 pm
To all:
You definitely need to send a letter to the congressperson who represents your district. If you go to the CTF link and scroll all the way to the bottom, it provides a link to get you started. I am about to print out letters to the Committee members that oversee this legislation. The more, the better!
Lou
April 8th, 2008 at 9:41 am
good morning everybody
April 8th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Reggie, it was good to see you a little while ago at MD Anderson and I enjoyed chatting and looking at your photos. I applaud your plans for writing our representatives and getting others to do the same.
Only 3 weeks to National NF Month !!
April 8th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
Just sent a slew of faxes to the subcommittee. 18 in all. Beat that, Reggie!
April 8th, 2008 at 3:53 pm
Are you challenging me?
April 8th, 2008 at 4:00 pm
I just got home and I have email to address now. I will come back to the blog when I’m done. Thanks Bart It was great talking to you today. I will upload the photo shortly. The couple that took the photo of us are from New York. I came home and I see they ordered shirts. Thank you friends from New York. Best of Luck to you.
April 8th, 2008 at 4:39 pm
Well….All my bags are pack, I am glad to be going, I’m leaving on a jet plane, however I do know when I be back again….Aloha…going to Hawaii.
April 8th, 2008 at 5:18 pm
I like that John. That’s a good song. We are going to miss you. I know you will have a good time. Can’t wait to hear all about it.
April 8th, 2008 at 5:20 pm
Brian is having computer problems. He hope to be back soon. I will let you all know if I hear anything else.
April 9th, 2008 at 6:24 am
Good Morning grew. It’s early and I’m fixing to go have my scan. I will be back here just as soon as I finish at MD ANDERSON.
April 9th, 2008 at 8:03 am
April 9: Checking the computer for last minute mail, and flight status. News talking more flight cancels on AA, mostly for the MD80s, sure hope not my flight, there be over 300 people be mad.
April 9th, 2008 at 8:38 am
Reggie, I enjoyed chatting with you as well. After we asked the nice couple to take our photo I had to leave to go back to my day job. But as I walked away I saw you using your charm on them. You are getting real good at educating the public about NF. I hope your PET scan goes well today.
Later……………
April 9th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
Hi Bart
I did have my PET scan and as far as I know, it went well. I was finish early. I almost called you after the scan. I was going to give you something to give Sara.
April 9th, 2008 at 12:37 pm
Hi there Everybody
April 9th, 2008 at 12:56 pm
John I’m with you. I really hope your flight will leave when it’s suppose to.
April 9th, 2008 at 1:00 pm
Reggie, I found out that Sara is out of town until about the end of the week.
Glad the scan went well. Was it scary like an MRI?
April 9th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Scary? I always take a nap when I get my MRI. I always tell them, hey guys can you keep the noise down, a guy is trying to get a nap. It was the same with the PET scan. Now is twisted or what? Careful how you answer You know I have photo shop and lots of photos. A guy can do all sort of things.
April 9th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
I guess you are still having computer problems. I hope the problem will be fixed soon.
April 10th, 2008 at 8:41 am
Good Morning anyone on the blog this morning?
April 10th, 2008 at 11:58 am
I’m here hoping to here form someone. Now I can say where is that coward Lou? Get on the blog man.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
April 10 made it to Hawaii..on time. Many folks did not make it to Hawaii, their flights to Dallas was caneled. So there was seats available on the plane. The weather is warm, but a very heavy overcast due to the volcanoe on the Big Island, they call it VOG. Found a wireless weak signal so I am try it out.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:31 pm
Reggie, I’m here but just lurking in the shadows.
I sent in some letters to my representatives and told them that I’ve been on the DOD review panel numerous times and so I can vouch for the quality of the research that gets funded. It is federal money very well spent.
Later…………….
April 10th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
I’m happy you made John. Have fun in Hawaii.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Hello Bart,
Cool that you are always watching. I better be careful, but of course, no one has anything to worry about.
April 10th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
HI there Reggie why is Lou a coward ?
April 10th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
He is not here. He always call me a coward when I’m not here, so I thought I would give him a hard time.
April 10th, 2008 at 4:17 pm
Greetings from Boston!
April 10th, 2008 at 4:21 pm
I meant greetings to everone but Reggie, of course.
April 10th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
Hey my friends, everybody but you know who. I just got word that Brian is going stir crazy. Yes he is. His computer has seen it’s better days. Good news to end the story. He is getting a new computer and will be back just as fast as he can open the box.
April 10th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
Cool Reggie Cool
April 10th, 2008 at 6:12 pm
Shelley you drinking coffee
April 10th, 2008 at 7:44 pm
I drank my coffee today Reggie
April 10th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
Wondering if Lou is behaving
April 10th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Shelley of course Lou is not behaving.
April 10th, 2008 at 8:28 pm
Hi all, how is everyone? Why is Lou in Boston? Or should I say Why do they let him in Bostom? lol
April 10th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Maybe he is running. lol
April 10th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Run Lou, run!
April 10th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
LOL!
April 11th, 2008 at 7:58 am
Good Morning, Patricia today is not Friday is it? LOL
April 11th, 2008 at 12:15 pm
April 11: Aloha and Good Morning. Well morning here, afternoon in Texas. If AA should cancel my flight here, be no complaints here…..
April 11th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
That would be nice to get a few extra days.
April 12th, 2008 at 8:05 am
I am still in Boston. Came here for a business conference. These guys are partiers! However, you will be proud to know that represented the Texas contingent (me) with unerring drunkenness and outlandish behavior. Moving slow this morning…must have coffee!!!!
April 12th, 2008 at 10:01 am
Hey there yall Im here on my 2nd cup of Starbucks
April 12th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Hey Lou I have heard about those business conferences. Just remember no paper trail and photos. Then we can say……LOU you are safe.
April 12th, 2008 at 10:06 am
I wonder If John would mind sharing some of all the fun he is enjoying? I’m not sure if you have a shirt John, it would be nice to wear one if you have one. A Just ASK! Shirt.
April 12th, 2008 at 10:09 am
oops sorry I wasn’t logged in.
April 12th, 2008 at 10:17 am
I haven’t heard from realmere1. I hope you come back to the blog. It’s fun when you are around.
April 12th, 2008 at 11:59 am
Saturday April 12: No I do not have that shirt here in Hawaii, that would be something to think of next time. Last time while I was in Hawaii, last year, I did play my game STUMP THE DOCTOR, when I asked them a question on NF, one flunk and another maybe I give him 65%. I may be meeting some one with NF I met through the NF Chat some years ago. I have already met several others in the past. I do not know why Cindy does not want to do our camp over here, I think it would be great.
April 12th, 2008 at 1:19 pm
Reggie are you being good ?
April 12th, 2008 at 2:41 pm
CAN’T DRINK ANYMORE!!! COMING HOME.
April 12th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
John next year lets not take no for an answer. Camp in Hawaii.
April 12th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
Lou they have drinks on the plane don’t they?
April 12th, 2008 at 4:13 pm
Shelley of course I’m being the perfect angle.
April 12th, 2008 at 11:21 pm
I’m home!