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Dear :

Advancements in the areas of endocrinology, medical research, and pediatrics are areas that our research shows you have strong interests. The (Client) works to advance research, knowledge, and applications of the latest techniques to diagnosis and treat food allergies potentially fatal in some children.

It is estimated that approximately 2.5% of the U.S. population have food allergies, which translates to approximately 6 to 7 million Americans—the majority being children. A food allergy is an abnormal response of the immune system to otherwise harmless foods. Any food can cause an allergic reaction, but eight foods account for 90% of all allergic reactions in the U.S. They include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, eggs, wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish.

Pediatricians are often the first healthcare professionals to encounter a food allergy in children; however, several studies show they often fail to recognize a food allergy or tell families about precautionary steps to follow once a food allergy is diagnosed. The ability of pediatricians to recognized, diagnose, and treat food allergies is critical to reduce emergency visits to the hospitals and to help families recognize and manage food allergies before they become a crisis. Working to provide the most up-to-date information on food allergies to families and healthcare professionals, The (Client Information) was established in 1991. By effectively disseminating the latest research and treatments of food allergies, pediatricians are better equipped to recognize and help families manage food allergies.

Addressing this important issue, The (Client) plans to gather leading food allergy experts to discuss recent advancements in pediatric food allergies. The meeting will take place in Washington, DC and include presentations by twelve food allergy experts. Each speaker will make a thirty-minute presentation followed by a five-minute question and answer period. Dr. Robert Wood, Associate Professor of Pediatrics at John Hopkins Hospital and editor at Pediatrics, will lead the proceedings and write up information to present for publication in a major medical journal such as Pediatrics. These proceedings will highlight the latest advancements in diagnosis and treatment of food allergies and make it widely available to pediatricians through publication—information that otherwise would span a wide period of time and many journals.

Topics that may be discussed include immunology of food allergy, prevalence of food allergy, diagnostic tests for food allergies, anaphylaxis caused by a food allergy, treatment of food allergies in the family or school, and update on food allergy research. For example, the topic of anaphylaxis is very important since it is the most severe effect of a food allergy. Anaphylaxis is estimated to cause about 2,500 emergency room visits annually and believed to be responsible for up to 125 deaths each year. Anaphylaxis is a severe immune response to a normally harmless substance. When a food allergen such as peanuts or shellfish is ingested, the body releases chemicals such as histamine causing hives, asthma-like symptoms, swelling of the mouth, vomiting, and drop in blood pressure. These symptoms can occur in as little as five to 15 minutes after exposure to an allergen and progress to life-threatening reactions in a matter of hours. Prompt administration of a life-saving drug such as epinephrine can provide temporary life-saving intervention until medical care is available.

Total costs of these proceedings are calculated based on a two-day meeting held at a Washington, DC airport-based hotel. Speakers will be flown in as needed plus 10 invited guests who are food allergy specialists in the area. Dr. Robert Wood will lead the proceedings, and two (Client) staff members will coordinate all logistics and arrangements. The total costs are estimated to be $49,273. The (Client) respectfully requests that you consider a grant of $xx,000.

The (Client) is a 501(c)(3) organization. The (Client)’s mission is to increase public awareness about food allergies and anaphylaxis, to provide education, and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies. (Client) is a membership organization with over 22,000 members residing in the U.S. and abroad. (Client) provides members with the latest research and practical information about cooking, healthy diets, shopping, reading food labels, dining out, schools and child care facilities, medical advice, and the latest on medical research.

The (Client) was established in 1991 by (Client Information), whose daughter was diagnosed with milk and egg allergies when she was an infant. The lack of accurate information and practical support compelled (Client Information) to establish a central clearinghouse of information for others. Today, The (Client) works with families, doctors, nurses, medical researchers, dieticians, and the food industry including restaurants and grocery manufacturers to change attitudes toward food allergies and rally public support for research that could lead to effective treatment of food allergies. (Client) also works to establish safety policies in schools and in food service and manufacturing facilities.

Through your support, the most recent research and advancements in the treatment and management of food allergies can be presented. In addition, this information can be made available to pediatricians through publication in a major medical journal centralizing important innovations in one journal article widely read by pediatricians. Dissemination of the latest research and treatment in food allergies is critical in helping pediatricians recognize and effectively treat and inform families on how to manage their food allergies and avoid unnecessary trips to the hospital emergency room. We are grateful for your consideration of this request. Please call me if you have questions or would like additional information.

Sincerely,

(Client) (Client)

Founder Facilitator