MM/DD/YYYY

 

Your address here

 

P.O.Box

Des Moines, IA 50319

 

Dear ____________:

 

I am writing to you today to ask for support in a new endeavor that will benefit THE NAME OF YOUR CHILD OR PKU PATIENT and many other Iowan families. 

 

As you know, YOUR CHILD'S NAME or PKU PATIENT, was diagnosed with PKU a week after birth.  Until now, there has not been any state-wide organization to help families with PKU.  We are pleased to announce the formation of Iowa's first non-profit organization for children, teens, and adults with PKU as well as the parents, relatives, and friends who support them.

 

PKU in its "classic" form, is a rare, inherited metabolic disease that results in mental retardation and other neurological problems when treatment is not started within the first few weeks of life. When a very strict diet (including a necessary synthetic formula) is begun early and well-maintained, affected children can expect normal development and a normal life span. Failure of the conversion to take place results in a buildup of phenylalanine. Excess phenylalanine is toxic to the central nervous system and causes the severe problems normally associated with PKU.

 

The diet for the most severe form of PKU eliminates all of the very high protein foods since all protein contains phenylalanine.  Except in rare circumstances, the diet does not allow consumption of meat, fish, poultry, milk, eggs, cheese, ice cream, legumes, nuts, or many products containing regular flour. A synthetic formula is used as a nutritional substitute for the eliminated foods to provide the protein needed for growth.  It is now recommended that all PKU patients stay on the diet for life.

 

The Iowa PKU Foundation was founded on May 15, 2004, as a source of emotional, educational, nutritional, and financial support for PKU patients and their families.  The first priority is to mandate formula coverage for all Iowans, since Iowa is one of the few  states that does not automatically cover the necessary formula, nor does it mandate that insurance covers it.  In addition, we would like to set up a college scholarship fund for PKU teens. 

 

Therefore, we are asking for your help.  Please consider sending a tax deductible donation to the Iowa PKU Foundation.  The Iowa PKU Foundation IS AN ALL-VOLUNTEER PARENT ORGANIZATION. 100% OF ALL DOLLARS RECEIVED GO TO PROVIDE PROGRAMS AND SERVICES FOR PKU FAMILIES.

 

Many Thanks for helping to keep our organization strong,

 

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Cut along line and return the bottom portion with your contribution

 

Enclosed is my contribution in the amount indicated below.*

[ ] $25 [ ] $50 [ ] $75 [ ] ______________Other

_____________________________________________

(Your Name)

_____________________________________________

(Address)

______________________________________________

(City) (State) (Zip)

 

*Thank you for your generosity. All contributions are tax deductible as allowed by law. Please make checks payable to the "Iowa PKU Foundation.”

 

Send to:

Iowa PKU Foundation,

P.O. Box 220

Des Moines, IA 50301-0220 

 

We will acknowledge your  donation.

 

*Note: Your employer may match your

gift. Contact the Personnel or Community

Relations Department of your company for

details.