| Dear Family & Friends:
I am about to embark on a journey which I would like to share with you. My goal is to run in the NYC Marathon on November 7, 2010 and bring awareness to a debilitating kidney disease called Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis (FSGS).
 FSGS is the disease that affects my little friend, Matthew. He was diagnosed four years ago when he was only three years old. For a period of time, Matthew woke up with swollen eyes which doctors believed it to be allergies. A urine analysis later on revealed high protein levels. Instead of retaining protein, the ‘good stuff,’ Matthew’s kidneys were not filtering the body’s waste properly. Matthew was immediately taken out of school and his parents received the shocking message that their son may have kidney failure.
Watch a video (visit: http://www.nephcure.org/news-fox5.htm) to learn more about Matthew’s story.
There is no treatment for FSGS which affects more people than cystic fibrosis nationwide and which is the second leading cause of kidney failure in children. When treatment with steroids and other medication fails, patients require dialysis or a transplant. Unfortunately, FSGS can attack the new kidney and come back.
But there is hope. I hope to run in honor of all the Matthews out there and in support of The NephCure Foundation (EIN 38-3569922), the only organization committed exclusively to support research seeking the cause and cure for this disease. Together, we hope that you will join us.
I ran my last marathon 15 years ago so I encourage you to train with me. While I run the miles, you can virtually support my efforts. Here is how:
1. Make a contribution in Matthew’s honor online or send a check, made payable to NephCure, to The NephCure Foundation, 15 Waterloo Ave, Berwyn, PA 19312. All donations are 100% tax deductible.
2. Forward this link to all of your friends and family members
Together, we will help NephCure to save kidneys and to save lives.
Thank you!
Walter
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