August, 2007
Dear Friend:
I am thrilled to report the successful launch of our inaugural event, The Zebra Ball -
Stars for the Stripes, that was held last February in Chicago at the city's most luxurious and sophisticated hotel:
http://www.chicago.peninsula.com
This event had been established to provide awareness and financial support for
a rare cancer disorder: CARCINOID CANCER.
Over $40,000 was raised to benefit The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, Inc. on February 10, 2007. Soledad O'Brien from CNN served as the inaugural event's Honorary Chair. The Honorary Committee members included Johnny Morris, Retired Chicago Bears Legend and Sportscaster; Bill Kurtis, Executive Producer, Kurtis Productions; Carrie J. Hightman, President AT&T Illinois (2001-2006); and Heidi Ekstrom, Miss Illinois 2006.
My mother is afflicted with this rare form of cancer. At her request, I launched
this awareness campaign and benefit. Proceeds support The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation,
Inc.'s mission to educate doctors and patients about carcinoid cancer and to fund
research. The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, Inc. is a nonprofit organization chartered
by the State of New York in 1968 for the purpose of encouraging and supporting research
and education on carcinoid tumors and related neuroendocrine tumors (NETs).
You are not alone if you haven't heard of carcinoid cancer. Often no symptoms are
evident, so patients and their doctors may be unaware for years that the cancerous
tumors are present and growing. Diagnosis might result only if a patient undergoes
an unrelated diagnostic procedure, or perhaps surgery, when evidence of an otherwise
unsuspected carcinoid tumor is observed and verified.
Zebra stripes are used to symbolize this "camouflaged" condition. In medical schools
as a reminder to consider uncommon alternatives when making a diagnosis, students
are told,
"When you hear hoof-beats don't assume it's a horse it might
be a zebra."
Wearing a zebra pin or a zebra-striped bracelet or ribbon shows your support to promote
awareness and to fund the education and research needs related to carcinoid cancer.
This website outlines opportunities for you to show your support for carcinoid cancer
patients, educators, and researchers through The Zebra Ball -
Stars for the Stripes as a sponsor, patron, attendee,
and/or volunteer of the dinner dance. Donations of unique experiences, goods, and/or
services are still being accepted until January 15th for the live and silent auctions. Please peruse the wish list for donation
ideas.
If you have questions about this event, I urge you to e-mail us at info@thezebraball.com or
to call 847-571-4628. Please join my efforts to promote awareness and to fund the
education and research needs related to carcinoid cancer. Encourage your friends,
relatives, and business acquaintances to shine as Stars for the Stripes -
we need the help of many! Your support may help my mother and others live to see a
difference made.
On behalf of The Carcinoid Cancer Foundation, Inc. (www.carcinoid.org,
888-722-3132) and my mother, thanks in advance for your consideration and hopefully
generous support.
Sincerely,
Sharon Murphy Devereaux, Founder
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