Helping MS victims in Iran
PASS THIS MESSAGE AROUND VIA EMAIL
We write today to ask for your help. During the holidays we were contacted
by the Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Society in Iran. Multiple Sclerosis, although
generally in decline in most parts of the world, is on the rise in Iran.
The experts have not yet established the underlying reason for this. However,
this dilapidating, and sometimes fatal decease, is spreading and proving
to be a major challenge, not only to the medical establishment, but also
to the victims and their families. The high cost (around $800 a month for
a patient) and lack of availability of drugs which are known to put MS
in remission means that the majority of the ordinary patients are simply
not getting the help they need, are deteriorating and are facing permanent
disability or death.
If there is an upside to this issue, it is this: Due to the strength
of the Dollar against the Iranian currency, any money sent from here can
be a substantial help to the patients in Iran. We have therefore launched
a fundraising drive to collect money for this very worthy cause. The campaign
was launched last week on the 24-hour radio (Seda-ye Iran), and boxes were
set up at the Iranian outlets to collect this money. We are glad to report
that, due to the generosity of many people, around $5,800 has been raised
over the last week. However, more money is urgently needed, and that is
the reason for this EMAIL today.
If you are able to help in any way, preferably financially, but also
with your time or by forwarding this EMAIL to your mailing lists and thus
publicizing this cause, please consider doing so as soon as possible. Please
note that your financial donations are tax deductible, and will be used
in their entirety (100%) to purchase drugs here for shipment to Iran, or
will be sent to the MS Society in Iran to help the patients and their families.
You can make your donations in several ways:
-- By sending a check made payable to the Iranian-American Society of
New England (Please note MS Fund on your check) to IASNE, P.O.Box 650085,
West Newton, MA 02465
-- By dropping your cash or checks in boxes set up at Super Heros (Watertown),
Mirage Restaurant (Framingham), and Molana Restaurant (Watertown)
Donations can also be deposited in Bank Saderat in Tehran. Branch name:
Mirzai shirazi, Code: 483, Account No: 2770.
Please consider making a donation. Your donation, however small, will
make a world of difference to the unfortunate victims of this decease and
their families in Iran.
If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to reply
to this EMAIL <Abbas_Saffari-Fard@biogen.com>.
Thanks again for your time and generosity.
Abbas Saffari-Fard
The Iranian-American Society of New England
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