 Support the Foundation's Advocacy Program
One of the most significant advances to increase funds to support scleroderma-related research at the national level is happening right now in the halls of the United States Congress.
The Foundation has successfully championed the introduction of the first scleroderma-specific bill in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, much thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Scleroderma Foundation's Advocacy Committee and many volunteers throughout the nation.
The "Scleroderma Research and Awareness Act" (House Bill 2408 and Senate Bill 1545) calls for legislation to direct the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases at the National Institutes of Health to expand scleroderma-related research funding to $25 million in 2010, $30 million in 2011, and $35 million in 2012. In addition to increased research spending, the bill also calls for $2.5 million to be allocated to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2010, 2011, and 2012 to establish a scleroderma public awareness campaign at the national level.
Getting these two bills sponsored and introduced into Congress was the first hurdle. Now we have to get enough legislators signed on as sponsors to ensure passage of the bills, and we need your help.
 The Scleroderma Foundation's volunteer advocates are planning a visit to Capitol Hill in October to meet with members of the U.S. Senate and their key healthcare legislative assistants. These face-to-face meetings are the most powerful tool we have to garner the support we need from elected officials, but we need funds to do it.
The total cost of this effort is $20,000. The good news is that we've already received pledges of support from donors like you, so we're well on our way to meeting our funding goal. But we need your help!
Help us to continue the fight for increased federal dollars to support scleroderma research and awareness. Please make a tax-deductible contribution of $100, $500, $1000 or whatever you can give to the Scleroderma Foundation in support of our efforts to get this legislation passed!
It's easy to give on line by going to our secure Web site at:
www.firstgiving.com/sclerodermafoundationadvocacy, or by calling the Scleroderma Foundation office at 1-800-722-HOPE (4673) to make a credit card contribution, or by mailing your check to Scleroderma Foundation, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923.
We've come so far in our fight to get scleroderma the attention it deserves on Capitol Hill. Your support of this vital effort will help to ensure our success of getting this important legislation passed into law!
Please! Make your contribution today!
Gratefully,
Robert J. Riggs
Chief Development Officer
Scleroderma Foundation |
