the Neuropathy Association's fy2008 Annual Report 

Dear Members and Supporters,

I am pleased to provide a link to The Neuropathy Association’s FY2008 Annual Report brochure.  Given the difficult economic climate in 2008 and today, your contributions have been essential for continuing our core programs and developing new initiatives.

The Association continues to streamline and prioritize its programs in order to serve you even better.  We are pleased to have directed 72% of funds raised in 2008 towards patient programs and research (the national standard for charities is 65%).  And, our priority is to work even smarter and more efficiently in addressing the needs of the neuropathy community.

Plus, we have acted on the feedback from our national membership surveys-- in which you told us that you needed:

• Resources and information on neuropathic pain management;
• More information about, and support of, neuropathy research;
• Additional ways to connect with and hear from others with neuropathy; and
• A strong voice in Washington for the interests of neuropathy patients.

Two important areas worth highlighting are neuropathic pain management and patient advocacy:  We have now created a neuropathic pain management medical advisory council comprised of nationallyrenown physicians to develop programs and address treatment options to help neuropathy patients living with chronic pain.   During the next several months, we will be telling you more about this essential initiative and its progress.

In these unsettled times of healthcare reform, it is essential that the  toll neuropathy is taking on Americans’ health and quality of life be recognized, and  your Association is speaking out.  In 2008, we rallied  support for IVIG access for Medicare patients in all sites of care a fight we continue today via active advocacy efforts  in D.C. and in states across the U.S.  Moreover, the Association has supported other legislation that will help our members, including the National Pain Care Policy Act and the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act.

Looking to the Future

Your tax-deductible membership donations and contributions made possible all we did in 2008 for you-- but there is much more to do.  Today, your past and future contributions ensure we can maintain our momentum during these difficult economic times.

Wishing you good health,

Tina M. Tockarshewsky
President and CEO