Greetings!

As patients, as well as supporters and board members of the Global Resource for Advancing Cancer Education (GRACE), we are honored to serve as the chairs of this year's annual fundraising campaign. The theme is Educating and Empowering Cancer Patients, a direct link to GRACE’s mission to provide expert-mediated information on current and emerging cancer management options in order to empower patients, caregivers, and health professionals to become direct partners in cancer care.

Since its formation as an online resource for cancer patients in September 2007, GRACE (www.cancergrace.org) has grown from one lung cancer oncology expert to several new faculty members providing input on the subject of lung cancer and a growing array of cancer subjects that includes radiation oncology, oncology social work, complementary and alternative medicine, and other related fields. GRACE provides this expert-mediated educational content at no cost to patients, families, and caregivers with the goal to educate and empower cancer patients to consider and discuss management options with their medical team. We know you realize just how critical GRACE’s work is, particularly for those whose lives are affected by cancer, and we need your help to continue our work.

The success of GRACE’s recent efforts can be measured in the steady increase to over 15,000 visits per month, from over 100 different countries around the world, as well as the recognition GRACE recently received through a letter of support from The Lance Armstrong Foundation (LAF). “The LAF believes that the GRACE program is a valuable resource to cancer survivors and health care professionals,” said Andy Miller, Vice President of Programs and Policy for the Lance Armstrong Foundation. “The vision for the continued growth of this program will provide valuable information and support during cancer diagnosis and treatment phases, as well as into life after treatment is done.” The resources that GRACE provides are made possible by the generous support of individual donors such as yourself. Without the assistance of supportive individuals we wouldn't be able to help the cancer patients and caregivers that visit GRACE each year.

Won't you make a commitment to support GRACE? Our goal is to raise at least $30,000 towards our patient education programs. Your generosity will make a positive impact in the lives of cancer patients by allowing GRACE to continue its important work.

We’re counting on your support, as are those who depend on GRACE’s continued efforts. Please return your annual campaign donation or pledge in the enclosed envelope. Every donation makes a difference, regardless of size.

Thank you in advance for your commitment to support GRACE in continuing to make a difference in the lives of cancer patients.

Sincerely,

Neil Berch

Leon (Ned) Nedbalek