Dear Friend,
On November 2 of this year, at the start of PH Awareness Month,
I had the privilege to address NASDAQ on your behalf. Standing
in front of one of the world's major economic marketplaces, I
thought, what can I say in a minute to give a picture of where
we have come from and where we are going. These are the words
I used…
"In 1985, the only database for pulmonary hypertension
funded by the federal government closed after five years. A total
of 187 patients had been identified throughout the entire U.S.
There were no disease-specific treatments. Patients had a 50%
chance of living 2.8 years.
Today - only 20 years later - pulmonary hypertension's numbers
are growing. In 1996, the first disease-specific treatment for
PH was approved. Today, there are five approved treatments and
more on the way…treating tens of thousands of patients. Doctors
are learning to pay attention and diagnose this illness. Today,
pulmonary hypertension is becoming manageable. Today, patients
are living longer. Today, 237 members of the House of Representatives
are co-sponsoring the Pulmonary Hypertension Association's bill
to increase research and awareness of this illness. That number
of Congressional members - men and women representing more than
half the population of the U.S. - is more than the sum of identified
patients in 1985. Pulmonary hypertension is a marginalized and
unknown illness no more. Tomorrow, we look towards the cure."
The extraordinary growth of research, the building of education
and awareness opportunities, the strengthening of mutual support
activities define us as a community with a cause. For what has been
considered a rare illness - we are making remarkable strides. All
that we are accomplishing is made possible through the involvement
and support of members and friends like you.
As we come to the end of 2005, I ask you to do two things.
First, please read the enclosed summary
report of our activities (so far) this year.
Second, if you believe, as I do, that the things we are doing
are making a difference in the lives of those living with PH,
please be as generous as you are able in making an end
of year contribution.
We are doing a lot in the fight against pulmonary hypertension.
We have a lot more to do in 2006…and with your help and support
we will.
Sincerely,
Rino Aldrighetti
President
P.S. I am also enclosing a brochure
explaining the tax benefits of giving at the end of this year.
You may also want to take a look at our new estate planning pages
on the internet at www.phassociation.org/give.
They give a picture of how annuities and other types of planned
gifts can provide significant benefits to donors.
