Dear Family and Friends, - The Myositis Association

Dear Family and Friends,Most of you know that I have a disease called Polymyositis. It is an incurable autoimmune disease that hasweakened my muscles. With medication, therapy, support and love from YOU, I am better, though thedisease can (and has) flared up at any time, without warning.The Myositis Association (TMA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping people cope with myositisdiseases (there are at least four). TMA also helps fund research into finding causes, better treatments, andhopefully, a cure. One way that TMA supports us is helping organize “Keep in Touch” (KIT) support groups.Some of us have never talked with another myositis patient and have felt totally alone in our challenges.The KIT brings us together and makes it easier for us to deal with our disease.I have a request of you. I am asking that you consider making a donation to support TMA. Some of youhave said something like "I wish there was something I could do to help you...” I believe there is. Yourdonation is tax-deductible and may make a difference for someone who has or will have this disease. Anyamount will be welcome and please believe, you will be helping me!Plus, through the end of 2012, your donation can be doubled by a matching grant offer. The chair of TMA’sBoard of Directors has offered to match the first $25 of each gift from a first-time donor who responds tothis request. I hope you will take this opportunity to contribute so that we can generate even more money tohelp TMA to help patients and their families.There are three ways you can donate:1. Mail a check to: The Myositis AssociationAttn: Development Dept.1737 King St. Suite 600Alexandria, VA 22314-27272. Go online to www.myositis.org and follow the directions to donate on-line using your credit card.3. Call TMA on 1-800-821-7356 and use your credit card to donate.Please indicate in your check memo or on-line information, that you are making this donation in my name.Thank you for considering my request. If you have any questions, please ask me or go to TMA’s website,www.myositis.org for more information.Thank you!

Dear Family and Friends,Most of you know that I suffer from a rare muscle disease called “___ myositis.” The musclesaffected make it difficult for me to walk, get up from a chair and do other things we all havetaken for granted for most of our lives. As yet there is no cure for this disease. The good news isthat doctors in Columbus Ohio are about to start testing a new approach to treatment, using GeneTherapy. The preliminary information regarding this research looks very encouraging and if itworks, could allow us to regain some normal function of our affected musclesI want to express to all of you my heartfelt gratitude for the support you have provided me as myfamily and I struggle with this disease. Many of you have generously responded to my requestsfor support at both local and national levels. Foremost, at the national level, is The MyositisAssociation (TMA) which not only supports individuals like me, but also funds research into allaspects of myositis diseases.Because this is such a rare disease, the only persons who know about this disease and care tohelp are the few who know someone who suffers from myositis. TMA does not have famouspeople known to the public, raising money for this disease. I understand that all of us are pressedfrom many directions by many worthy causes. However, I ask you to consider making adonation to help us fund the promising research that’s being done. Any amount is welcome.You may donate in one of three ways:1. Mail a check to The Myositis AssociationThe Myositis Association, Attn: Development Dept.1737 King Street, Suite 600Alexandria VA 223142. Go online to www.myositis.org and click on TMA Members’ campaigns.3. Call TMA at 1-800 821-7356.THANK YOU for considering this request. Knowing people care and are wanting to help makesit easier for me to cope with the physical and emotional toll of myositis.Kindest Regards,