Monday, January 4, 2010

Histio Heroes Research Fund

We have been dropping hints and asking questions over the past month about how you can become involved in supporting histiocytosis research. We will try to explain this new project and answer some basic questions.

What is this project?

The Histio Heroes Fund has been created by a group of histio families from across the country to help raise funds that will support Dr. Ken McClain in pursuing important and ground-breaking research into histiocytic disorders through the Histiocytosis Research Program at Texas Childrens' Cancer Center.

Why is this project important?

We all have experienced the frustration of seeing our children, siblings, friends or family members fight against histiocytosis -- a disease that has no cure and that receives limited research funding. Many families have been fortunate enough to see or have their physician consult with Dr. McClain who sees more histio patients than anyone in the world and is one of the few physicians performing research into histiocytic disorders.

Dr. McClain has asked for our help in the fight against histiocytosis. His research has reached a point where he believes that more funding for clinical and scientific research will lead to significant developments over the next 5 years in the understanding and treatment of histiocytic disorders. Unfortunately, the sources for that funding are limited which is why he is asking for our help.

What is this project going to do?

The Histio Heroes Fund will accept direct fund raising donations, organize fundraising events across the country to raise research funds and promote awareness about histiocytosis. 100% of monies raised or donated to will be used to fund research.

The Histio Heroes Fund will also inform families about additional ways to support this research which will not require financial donations, including increasing physician awareness about histiocytosis and securing tissue biopsy samples from their hem/onc physicians to send to Dr. McClain for his research. These tissue samples provide vital information that will assist Dr. McClain and his team in understanding the basic causes of histiocytosis which hopefully will lead to more effective treatments

How can you get involved in this project?

Fundraising events will begin in early 2010, including a scotch and wine tasting event being held in a number of cities and a program to help histio while getting your taxes done. We also are working on a number of other events that will be announced in the near future.

We encourage any interested families to share their fundraising ideas or offer to organize their own unique event. The histio community is filled with amazing people who hopefully will be willing to contribute their energy, knowledge and talents to this effort.

You can help now by making a donation (no amount is too small) during the holiday season to The Histio Heroes Research Fund by going to the TXCCC Histiocytosis Program page - http://www.txccc.org/content.cfm?content_id=928.

Click the DONATE link at the bottom of the page which will take you to the on-line donation page. Make sure to include "The Histio Heroes Research Fund" or "TXCCC Histiocytosis Program" in the Purpose of Donation/Comments section.

Have other questions? Want more info? Ready to get involved? Contact us!!!

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