Sample Donation Letters

Below are sample letters you can use when requesting donations from family member, friends and your community.  Thanks to our 2001 fundraising committee.

Letter 1

Dear:

The holiday season is fast approaching. It is one of my favorite times of the year and I look forward to sharing the (Christmas/Hanukkah/etc.) with you and the rest of my family and friends. Everybody is busily working on their wish list for holiday gifts and I've been thinking about mine, too.

You know that I have PBC. I don't talk about it a lot for a number of reasons. I don't want people feeling sorry for me, besides, talking about illness makes some people uncomfortable and sometimes, it just makes me sad. I want to be around for a long time and celebrate many more holidays with the people I love. That is more likely to happen if we only could find a cure for PBC. Fortunately, the American Liver Foundation has launched a campaign to find a cure. The ALF has partnered with my support group, the PBCers, to raise money toward this effort. I am very excited about it because it means so much to me personally as well as for many other people I know who have PBC.

So, instead of buying a present for me this year, I hope you will consider making a contribution to the PBC Fund for the Cure. Of course, you can still get a goody for me, if you must. But a donation to the American Liver Foundation, PBC Fund for the Cure ( 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, NY, NY 10038) would mean the world to me.

No gift is too small and could help to save a life.

With much love,

Letter 2

Dear:

The holiday season is traditionally a time for giving. This year, as you review all of the many requests you receive, I hope you will consider giving a gift that will make a difference for countless others who have PBC.

Primary Biliary Cirrhosis (PBC) is a rare chronic and progressive liver disease. The cause of PBC is unknown and, for the time being, there is no known cure or effective treatment. While there are some experimental therapies thought to slow the progression of PBC, continued liver inflammation causes scarring and ultimatelyleads to cirrhosis, liver failure and death.

I'm asking for your support because people with rare conditions must rely on the kindness of others if they ever hope to find a cure.

In 1999, the American Liver Foundation launched a $1.5 million campaign to fund research that will focus on two areas: basic investigation of the causes and development of the disease, and drug therapy trials. $1.5 million isn't a lot of money, but it's a start and with the exception of miracles, it represents the only hope those of us with PBC have. So far, we have raised $500,000.

No gift is too small. Your support will help us achieve our goal. I will understand if you are not interested, but hope you will make a gift and/or pledge to this effort which means so much to so many - people you undoubtedly will never have the occasion to meet. Whatever your decision, I hope you call on me if I can answer any questions you might have about PBC or about organ donation.

Thanks so much for your consideration. In the meantime, please accept my best wishes for a happy and healthy New Year.

Sincerely,