Inspired. Energized. Hopeful.
That’s how I am feeling after a busy spring, much of it spent in dialogue with supporters, stakeholders, thought-leaders and change agents. In diverse settings from Vancouver to D.C., New York to L.A. and back to Charlotte, it has been my privilege to share news about the Association’s Research Institute Without Walls (RIWW) and our narrowed focus to identify better diagnostics and treatment for CFS. In return, I’ve benefitted from hearing diverse perspectives about the vital work of this organization and how we can lead transformative change for millions living in the heavy shadow of CFS.
You have inspired our shift from passive research sponsor to patient-centered force for change. Now we are seeking to expand our outreach to accelerate the pace of discovery.
Your trust and generosity make this work possible. As we approach the mid-year mark and wrap up our spring fundraising campaign, we invite your support by making a gift before month-end. We are grateful to the Lesser family for a new challenge pledge of $10,000 if we can attract 100 first-time donors by June 30. If you value the information you receive from us and research into better diagnostics and treatments, we ask you to express that support with a gift of any size. Our secure online web donation center is available 24/7 at http://bit.ly/RIWW-fund. If you’re already one of our Catalyst donors, we encourage you to share this opportunity with family and friends who may consider making a gift in your honor. Donor and honoree will join our family of Catalysts and will receive special updates from Association leaders as well as invitations to live and web events throughout the year.
As added incentive, Roger King will sign 20 copies of his autobiographical novel, Love and Fatigue in America, as a special thank-you to Catalyst Fund donors. (Learn more about Roger and his acclaimed book here: http://bit.ly/webinar-WJ-RK) Your donation of $50 or more by June 30 enters your name in a drawing for one of these copies. If you’ve already made a gift in 2012, your name will also be entered in the drawing. You can increase your chances of winning by making another gift between June 22 and June 30. First-time donors who help us secure the challenge grant from the Lesser family are also eligible to win.
It’s an exciting time. The momentum is real and so is the potential to break through. Thank you for making it possible.
With gratitude,
K. Kimberly McCleary
President & CEO
The CFIDS Association of America
P.S. Gifts of every size are needed to fuel research that will yield better diagnostics and treatments. The CFIDS Association of America is a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) charitable organization and donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. You can make a secure online donation at http://bit.ly/RIWW-fund or call 704-365-2343. (If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message and your call will be returned on the next business day.) We are thankful for the year-round support of Catalyst donors at all levels of giving. We also recognize that the toll CFS exacts is more than physical, that most people experience some, and sometimes severe, financial consequences, too. One of the most difficult responsibilities I have is to ask people for money, knowing that sometimes my message will reach people who are barely able to cover the basics, or must rely on the generosity of others to meet essential expenses. If you are in those circumstances, please do not allow our request for support to add to your already heavy burden. We work on your behalf.
POSTLUDE: Thanks to 150 individuals who made gifts of $2 to $1,000 totaling $10,115, we secured the $10,000 challenge grant from the Lesser family. Also, 20 winners were selected at random from 516 eligible entries representing gifts of $50 made between Jan. 1, 2012 and June 30, 2012. They will receive copies of Love and Fatigue in America signed by author Roger King. Thank you to all who contributed to the spring Catalyst Fund campaign!
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