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Great strides letters

J

julie

New member
Anyone care to share the first sentence or two of your great strides letter? I'm having a hard time coming up with an intro this year.

I want to address how blessed we are to have treatments like we do, made possible by the research of the CF foundation, which has enabled Mark to remain healthy this long and graduate college (the first in 2 genrations!!!) and has enabled us to become parents... but I'm not sure how to write it all up so if flows beautifully.

Any writers out there who want to give me some ideas on this one????

Thanks,
 
J

julie

New member
Anyone care to share the first sentence or two of your great strides letter? I'm having a hard time coming up with an intro this year.

I want to address how blessed we are to have treatments like we do, made possible by the research of the CF foundation, which has enabled Mark to remain healthy this long and graduate college (the first in 2 genrations!!!) and has enabled us to become parents... but I'm not sure how to write it all up so if flows beautifully.

Any writers out there who want to give me some ideas on this one????

Thanks,
 
J

julie

New member
Anyone care to share the first sentence or two of your great strides letter? I'm having a hard time coming up with an intro this year.

I want to address how blessed we are to have treatments like we do, made possible by the research of the CF foundation, which has enabled Mark to remain healthy this long and graduate college (the first in 2 genrations!!!) and has enabled us to become parents... but I'm not sure how to write it all up so if flows beautifully.

Any writers out there who want to give me some ideas on this one????

Thanks,
 
6

65rosessamurai

Guest
How about a starter like...

"I just flew in from Chicago, and boy, are my arms tired!"

Oh, maybe that only works for a speech! (hehe!)

Usually, a catch phrase to keep their interest is usually one method. Starting with the conclusion in the intro, then giving more detail throughout the letter, and re-stating the beginning at the end.

For example:
"Without the CF great strides, we wouldn't have become a family"
Might be a good start?

Personally, I've never written a letter, never had much CF support over here, and don't recall anything more than what was normally supplied to me by the CF docs that I did have while in the States. So, I guess for me to write a letter would be even harder. I've never had genetic testing, nor even as much as a donation from the CF for me to see a CF doc when I had the chance on my last visit to the States.
Maybe because they either can't help everyone, or they can only help so many, perhaps including yourself as one of the many they were able to help in their letter may indicate a little more appreciation for what they did, and who they were able to help...
Just my thoughts, and points as a writer (mostly as a technical writer, since I do seem to be 'analytical' so often)
 
6

65rosessamurai

Guest
How about a starter like...

"I just flew in from Chicago, and boy, are my arms tired!"

Oh, maybe that only works for a speech! (hehe!)

Usually, a catch phrase to keep their interest is usually one method. Starting with the conclusion in the intro, then giving more detail throughout the letter, and re-stating the beginning at the end.

For example:
"Without the CF great strides, we wouldn't have become a family"
Might be a good start?

Personally, I've never written a letter, never had much CF support over here, and don't recall anything more than what was normally supplied to me by the CF docs that I did have while in the States. So, I guess for me to write a letter would be even harder. I've never had genetic testing, nor even as much as a donation from the CF for me to see a CF doc when I had the chance on my last visit to the States.
Maybe because they either can't help everyone, or they can only help so many, perhaps including yourself as one of the many they were able to help in their letter may indicate a little more appreciation for what they did, and who they were able to help...
Just my thoughts, and points as a writer (mostly as a technical writer, since I do seem to be 'analytical' so often)
 
6

65rosessamurai

Guest
How about a starter like...

"I just flew in from Chicago, and boy, are my arms tired!"

Oh, maybe that only works for a speech! (hehe!)

Usually, a catch phrase to keep their interest is usually one method. Starting with the conclusion in the intro, then giving more detail throughout the letter, and re-stating the beginning at the end.

For example:
"Without the CF great strides, we wouldn't have become a family"
Might be a good start?

Personally, I've never written a letter, never had much CF support over here, and don't recall anything more than what was normally supplied to me by the CF docs that I did have while in the States. So, I guess for me to write a letter would be even harder. I've never had genetic testing, nor even as much as a donation from the CF for me to see a CF doc when I had the chance on my last visit to the States.
Maybe because they either can't help everyone, or they can only help so many, perhaps including yourself as one of the many they were able to help in their letter may indicate a little more appreciation for what they did, and who they were able to help...
Just my thoughts, and points as a writer (mostly as a technical writer, since I do seem to be 'analytical' so often)
 
J

Jane

Digital opinion leader
I was going to pull out a portion of last years letter, but couldn't figure out where to cut. So here's the whole thing, sorry.

Dear Friends of the J TEAM,

<i><b>YES</b></i>, we will still be walking in our fifteenth GREAT STRIDES walk for Cystic Fibrosis on Sunday May 21st. Our team THE "J" TEAM (named for our two boys Josh-age 15 and Jesse-age 11 who both have CF) will be joining many other local teams in Plymouth to raise money for CF research. All funds collected go to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We are very proud to support the CFF since they have consistently been recognized as one of the top health organizations in the US at efficiently using money raised to invest in medical/research programs.

As most of you know, this past month/year has been a difficult one for our family. As I write this, the boys are still in the hospital (Josh is very sick, admitted April 15th with fevers, Jesse doing a routine clean-out). We are still dealing with several unknowns in the boys' conditions and methods of treatment. The bacterium found in the boys' lungs two years ago (named segniliparus rugosus) is now aggressive and causing damage, so the doctors are scrambling to find new medicine for them. They have described what they are doing as "trailblazing", which doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. As of right now, we are waiting for testing. One reason we participate in the Great Strides walk is to support the CFF efforts to continue funding CF research and medical trials. The CF Foundation slogan "<b>adding tomorrows everyday</b>" states their commitment to CF families. We feel this is especially meaningful for us right now.


We invite you to join us and THE "J" TEAM on May 21st at Plymouth Rock for THE GREAT STRIDES walk for CF. We are hoping the kids feel better and come home so all of us will be able to attend together. The walk begins at 10:00 (check-in at 9:00) We are always pleased to have friends walking with us. Your support means more than you will know. If you can't walk on that day, but would like to sponsor The J Team, checks can be made out to: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Sincerely and with appreciation,

Jane and Bill
 
J

Jane

Digital opinion leader
I was going to pull out a portion of last years letter, but couldn't figure out where to cut. So here's the whole thing, sorry.

Dear Friends of the J TEAM,

<i><b>YES</b></i>, we will still be walking in our fifteenth GREAT STRIDES walk for Cystic Fibrosis on Sunday May 21st. Our team THE "J" TEAM (named for our two boys Josh-age 15 and Jesse-age 11 who both have CF) will be joining many other local teams in Plymouth to raise money for CF research. All funds collected go to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We are very proud to support the CFF since they have consistently been recognized as one of the top health organizations in the US at efficiently using money raised to invest in medical/research programs.

As most of you know, this past month/year has been a difficult one for our family. As I write this, the boys are still in the hospital (Josh is very sick, admitted April 15th with fevers, Jesse doing a routine clean-out). We are still dealing with several unknowns in the boys' conditions and methods of treatment. The bacterium found in the boys' lungs two years ago (named segniliparus rugosus) is now aggressive and causing damage, so the doctors are scrambling to find new medicine for them. They have described what they are doing as "trailblazing", which doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. As of right now, we are waiting for testing. One reason we participate in the Great Strides walk is to support the CFF efforts to continue funding CF research and medical trials. The CF Foundation slogan "<b>adding tomorrows everyday</b>" states their commitment to CF families. We feel this is especially meaningful for us right now.


We invite you to join us and THE "J" TEAM on May 21st at Plymouth Rock for THE GREAT STRIDES walk for CF. We are hoping the kids feel better and come home so all of us will be able to attend together. The walk begins at 10:00 (check-in at 9:00) We are always pleased to have friends walking with us. Your support means more than you will know. If you can't walk on that day, but would like to sponsor The J Team, checks can be made out to: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Sincerely and with appreciation,

Jane and Bill
 
J

Jane

Digital opinion leader
I was going to pull out a portion of last years letter, but couldn't figure out where to cut. So here's the whole thing, sorry.

Dear Friends of the J TEAM,

<i><b>YES</b></i>, we will still be walking in our fifteenth GREAT STRIDES walk for Cystic Fibrosis on Sunday May 21st. Our team THE "J" TEAM (named for our two boys Josh-age 15 and Jesse-age 11 who both have CF) will be joining many other local teams in Plymouth to raise money for CF research. All funds collected go to The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. We are very proud to support the CFF since they have consistently been recognized as one of the top health organizations in the US at efficiently using money raised to invest in medical/research programs.

As most of you know, this past month/year has been a difficult one for our family. As I write this, the boys are still in the hospital (Josh is very sick, admitted April 15th with fevers, Jesse doing a routine clean-out). We are still dealing with several unknowns in the boys' conditions and methods of treatment. The bacterium found in the boys' lungs two years ago (named segniliparus rugosus) is now aggressive and causing damage, so the doctors are scrambling to find new medicine for them. They have described what they are doing as "trailblazing", which doesn't inspire a lot of confidence. As of right now, we are waiting for testing. One reason we participate in the Great Strides walk is to support the CFF efforts to continue funding CF research and medical trials. The CF Foundation slogan "<b>adding tomorrows everyday</b>" states their commitment to CF families. We feel this is especially meaningful for us right now.


We invite you to join us and THE "J" TEAM on May 21st at Plymouth Rock for THE GREAT STRIDES walk for CF. We are hoping the kids feel better and come home so all of us will be able to attend together. The walk begins at 10:00 (check-in at 9:00) We are always pleased to have friends walking with us. Your support means more than you will know. If you can't walk on that day, but would like to sponsor The J Team, checks can be made out to: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Sincerely and with appreciation,

Jane and Bill
 
L

LouLou

New member
Fred,
I wish you had gotten the cf support you needed during your visit to the states. There are organizations that could help you - Cody Dieruf Foundation for one I believe. The CFF is on a research mission and we must honor their drive for a cure. They openly state they do not give money to individuals. Next time you will be in the states, give us a little notice and I'm sure we can help you get some care. All the best!
 
L

LouLou

New member
Fred,
I wish you had gotten the cf support you needed during your visit to the states. There are organizations that could help you - Cody Dieruf Foundation for one I believe. The CFF is on a research mission and we must honor their drive for a cure. They openly state they do not give money to individuals. Next time you will be in the states, give us a little notice and I'm sure we can help you get some care. All the best!
 
L

LouLou

New member
Fred,
I wish you had gotten the cf support you needed during your visit to the states. There are organizations that could help you - Cody Dieruf Foundation for one I believe. The CFF is on a research mission and we must honor their drive for a cure. They openly state they do not give money to individuals. Next time you will be in the states, give us a little notice and I'm sure we can help you get some care. All the best!
 
L

lightNlife

New member
Generally the "rah-rah" letters about how well the treatments work for a person and the wonderful quality of life a person has aren't enough to make a person reach for the pocketbook. It sounds awful, but people don't care about other people whose lives are going great, even if that person has a disease. If you want to raise funding through a letter-writing campaign, you need to clearly delineate WHERE research is lacking and the struggles you have because of it.

Generally, I hate going that route, and as an adult with CF I find it is even harder to generate public interest in something that, for all intents and purposes is unnoticeable.

Here's last year's "Rah Rah" letter:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=3988&idUser=155492&dspPrintReady=1">Lauren's Great Strides Page</a>

and here's this year's more "puppy dog eyed" approach (they both have the same photo though)

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=4863&idUser=155492">Great Strides 2nd Year</a>


---<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://livingwellwithCF.blogspot.com">Breathing Deeply: My Life With CF</a>
 
L

lightNlife

New member
Generally the "rah-rah" letters about how well the treatments work for a person and the wonderful quality of life a person has aren't enough to make a person reach for the pocketbook. It sounds awful, but people don't care about other people whose lives are going great, even if that person has a disease. If you want to raise funding through a letter-writing campaign, you need to clearly delineate WHERE research is lacking and the struggles you have because of it.

Generally, I hate going that route, and as an adult with CF I find it is even harder to generate public interest in something that, for all intents and purposes is unnoticeable.

Here's last year's "Rah Rah" letter:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=3988&idUser=155492&dspPrintReady=1">Lauren's Great Strides Page</a>

and here's this year's more "puppy dog eyed" approach (they both have the same photo though)

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=4863&idUser=155492">Great Strides 2nd Year</a>


---<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://livingwellwithCF.blogspot.com">Breathing Deeply: My Life With CF</a>
 
L

lightNlife

New member
Generally the "rah-rah" letters about how well the treatments work for a person and the wonderful quality of life a person has aren't enough to make a person reach for the pocketbook. It sounds awful, but people don't care about other people whose lives are going great, even if that person has a disease. If you want to raise funding through a letter-writing campaign, you need to clearly delineate WHERE research is lacking and the struggles you have because of it.

Generally, I hate going that route, and as an adult with CF I find it is even harder to generate public interest in something that, for all intents and purposes is unnoticeable.

Here's last year's "Rah Rah" letter:

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=3988&idUser=155492&dspPrintReady=1">Lauren's Great Strides Page</a>

and here's this year's more "puppy dog eyed" approach (they both have the same photo though)

<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=4863&idUser=155492">Great Strides 2nd Year</a>


---<a target=_blank class=ftalternatingbarlinklarge href="http://livingwellwithCF.blogspot.com">Breathing Deeply: My Life With CF</a>
 
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