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Update from Mesothelioma Information
This extract from the Program Report of the International Mesothelioma Program explains how everyone can and should help those working to combat the affects of mesothelioma . . .
Philanthropy Funds Hope for Mesothelioma Patients
The word philanthropy comes from the Greek, meaning, literally, "love of humankind". The word, with its derivation, seems especially appropriate for the hundreds of individuals, families and friends, foundations, and others that have provided generous donations to the IMP. Their generosity has helped not only to fund specific programs and projects but also to fund hope for the hundreds of patients with mesothelioma and their families who seek care through the IMP each year.
Mesothelioma is a rare disease; only 3,000 new cases are diagnosed in the U.S. each year. This is as compared to the 230,000 new cases of prostate cancer, 211,000 new cases of breast cancer, and 1.5 million new cases of diabetes diagnosed in the U.S. each year. Because mesothelioma affects fewer people, it is comparatively unknown. Most patients who develop the disease say they had never heard of it until the diagnosis was made.
The IMP relies on the generosity of donors for many aspects of its work, even its research efforts, since federal funding for research tends to be directed primarily to investigations that are likely to benefit large numbers of people.
The majority of donors to the IMP are individuals. Some give a single donation in recognition or memory of their loved one. Some become "activists" arid leverage their energies to organize fundraisers for the IMP. Some families have the ability to make major gifts over time, which can have an enormous impact.
In all cases, contributions directly impact clinical care and research. Gifts can help fulfill a "wish list" that includes:
- The purchase, renovation, and staffing of a local "home-away-from-home" for patients and families who must stay nearby for a month or more during surgery and the recovery period – more than 50 percent of IMP patients come from outside New England
- The establishment and staffing of a basic science lab in "novel therapeutics" – a place to try out bold new therapies directly relevant to current practice
- The establishment of a family waiting and resource area on the 11th floor at Brigham and Women's Hospital, the epicenter of mesothelioma care
- A center where all research staff can be in one geographic location, fostering collaboration, synergism, communication, efficiency and effectiveness
- Funding for two fellows to learn the innovative heated chemotherapy procedure
- Development of an on-line support group for mesothelioma patients and families
How to Give to the International Mesothelioma Program
The International Mesothelioma Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital is committed to the eradication of mesothelioma by providing the most innovative research and treatment options possible with a genuine hope for a cure. Understanding the underlying causes of this disease takes lime, talent, and dedication by committed researchers and practitioners.
There are a number of ways donors can support the IMP. All gifts are tax-deductible as allowed by law.
Checks:
Checks can be made payable to the International Mesothelioma Program, Brigham and Women's Hospital. Checks may be mailed to:
David J. Sugarbaker, MD
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Division of Thoracic Surgery
75 Francis Street
Boston, MA 02115
Credit Card:
Contact the Development Office at BWH (617-424-4300) to make a contribution by credit card.
Securities:
By giving appreciated securities to BWH, donors can enjoy tax benefits in addition to a charitable income tax deduction. Donors or their brokers can call the BWH Development Office (617-424-4300) for instructions on making the transfer.
Bequests:
Donors may wish to include the IMP in their will or estate plan. For some donors, gifts made through their wills are the best way to make substantial contributions to the IMP and BWH.
Life-Income Gifts:
Life-income gifts, such as charitable remainder trusts and charitable gift annuities, are a solid investment in the IMP's future and provide a guaranteed income for donors or their named beneficiaries.
In all cases, please indicate that you would like your contribution directed to the International Mesothelioma Program.
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