Illinois Employee Campaign – Letter #2

Make a list of everyone you know who works for the Illinois state government and send them this letter by email or US Postal Service. It is estimated that approximately 90% of state workers who participate in this program do not have a charity of choice – help them with their decision!

Dear [Name]

We hope this letter finds you well. We are writing to you because you are an Illinois state employee and you are most likely aware of the “Illinois State Employee Combined Appeal” (SECA) that takes place each fall. It is our understanding that approximately 90% of those who participate do not have a charity in mind, but simply take a few minutes to find a charity that they find compelling before they make their selection.

We are asking that you consider helping us spread the word with your co-workers – there IS a compelling charity that is now listed in the “Illinois State Employee Combined Appeal” – the Children’s Gaucher Research Fund (listed alphabetically under “Children’s Medical Charities of America”). We have joined hands with this organization along with families from across America. Our goal: to find a cure for the disease that took the life of our son/daughter [name of child].

As you know, we lost [name of child] to Gaucher Disease on [date]. The pain of losing a child is indescribable. The loss that we suffered just reminds us of what is most important in our lives. [Child’s name] is a source of strength to us not only in life, but in death as well. [His] courage and attitude in the face of adversity is an inspiration to us and to everyone who had the joy of knowing [him]. It is with this spirit that we want to help breathe life into other children whom suffer from this terrible disease. We know that [child’s name] is encouraging us to find a cure.

We ask that you consider taking a few minutes to spread the word among Illinois state employees, and communicate these four important points:

1. 100% of donations go directly to medical research. There are no salaries. There are no administrative costs. All costs for postage, printing, web site development, etc. are either donated, or paid for by the founders. 100% of CFC donations will go to scientific research.

2. This is a grassroots effort. Parents from across the nation — and beyond — are working together to raise funds for medical research.

3. These are children, who only ask to have a chance at life. As a group of parents, we are willing to fight the battle.

4. It has been said that the 21st century is the century of the brain. Our research will have overlapping benefits; benefiting a host of adult and childhood diseases, that affect the brain. Already our research has helped in understanding over 20 other childhood brain diseases. In addition, researchers have now found a connection between Gaucher disease and the adult form of Parkinson’s.

Please visit www.childrensgaucher.org to read through our family’s story and those of other families who have battled Gaucher Disease. If you feel a personal connection, as we do, we ask that you consider taking a few moments to share this information with your co-workers. This small contribution on your part will help us in our journey to find a cure for these children. We very much appreciate your consideration.

“The Only Thing Incurable Is Our Passion”

Sincerely,

[Your Name]