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| Subject: Research funding and political awareness | |
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Author: Mark Dungan |
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Date Posted: 05:10:16 09/11/03 Thu Leah, Thank you. What an excellent idea. I have been talking to several parents privately about this very same thing. First of all, I don't want to step on anyones toes. My goals are my own but I am absolutely open to new ideas, criticism, and putting something together that benefits everyone. With all of that being said, this is what I have been working on. Goals: 1. I would like to raise 10 to 25 million in 2004. This is a minimum and I would anticipate that once we achieve a certain goal that we invest the prinicipal and the returns would go to support the research effort. 2. I would like the funds raised to be targeted towards research that is curative in nature (i.e. monoclonal antibodies, tumor vaccine, anti angeogenic drugs, and the like) Although I believe in many therapies that are out there that are of great benefit, I would like to fund research targeted at ridding the world and body of this disease forever. Additionally, and this is critical, I have an inside scoop on certain individuals that have this goal in mind and have shown a propensity to give large sums of money to organizations with like minded goals. 3. I would like the funds to go primarily towards neuroblastoma but realize raising money for childhood cancer causes is much easier. The marketing effort may dictate that we fund other cancers as well but it is my goal that the bulk of the funds be targeted at neuroblastoma. 4. I would like the board to be made up of parents, medical professionals, political figures and the like. I think these people working off a set of guidelines that the parents provide would be best able to spend the funds more wisely. It also provides credibility to our organization and political clout. 5. I would like active participation of many neuroblastoma afflicted families and an ongoing effort to include as many families as possible. People only have capacity of support for so long. It is easier to get support when the trauma is new. Additionally, with many families located across the country, regional support becomes much easier to grasp and national support much easier to acquire. Now with that said, what have I done to date? I have talked to families that have similar interests. I am currently in meetings with A PR firm to identify a particular message and story that would gain national support. Like Alex's Lemonade stand we are targeting product based approaches. I have met with attorney's and accountants to discuss various organizational types and structures. My goal is to give the families an equal foundation to express there voice and provide the best tax advantages. I have also talked to fundraisers from such national campaigns such as The American Cancer Society and MDA which have shown an interest in coming on board to make a difference. At this point I don't know whether joining an existing campaign or starting a new one is in our best interest and I am constantly weighing the pros and cons. What I do want to make sure of though is that families are represented and that the funds are spent wisely. If you can't tell I am very excited and am looking to get a group together that can really make an impact. Please let me know your thoughts and ambitions. Let's get the ball rolling. Mark (father to Sydney dx 6/21/03, NBIV, rnd 4 induction, COG 3793) [ Next Thread | Previous Thread | Next Message | Previous Message ] |
| Subject | Author | Date |
| Re: Research funding and political awareness | Leah | 21:01:19 09/11/03 Thu |
| Re: Research funding and political awareness | Debbie Hume | 21:53:01 09/17/03 Wed |