|
About the MUSTFUND As a patient of Professor Samuel Kenan, you have no doubt benefited from Professor Kenan's extraordinary skill and ability as one of the most talented musculo-tumor surgeons in the world. If you had this experience, you are no doubt equally impressed by Professor Kenan's sensitive and compassionate concern for all his patients. They are first and foremost people in need, and all treatment options flow from that starting point. As a patient of Professor Kenan's, I can certainly attest to all of the above and much more. Therefore, it really was not shocking that Professor Kenan turned to me asking about the possibilities of establishing a foundation that would assist people who suffer from similar kinds of tumors but do not have the means to seek and receive quality medical care. I told him that I thought the idea was a noble one and that I would be happy to assist. To further illustrate the need for such a fund, allow me to relate a story regarding a patient in dire straits that was helped by Professor Kenan. A seven year old girl from the Dominican Republic was presented to Professor Kenan with catastrophic symptoms. She suffered from malignant tumors on her leg, which had metastasized to her lungs. Chances of survival were less than one percent. To make matters worse, the child's family had no means to pay for any part of the treatment and surgeries that would be required. Undaunted, Professor Kenan decided to move ahead, donating his services while cajoling other entities to contribute of their skill. In this case, Professor Kenan did not amputate the leg, which is a common procedure in similar cases of osteo-sarcoma (Bone Cancer). Rather, he opted to do a total replacement of the femur (largest of the leg bones) and knee. The company manufacturing the prostheses (femur replacement) donated the device at Professor Kenan's urging. The child was treated for the lung metastasis (radiation and surgery), and Professor Kenan performed the delicate surgery of removing the cancerous tumors and, basically, replacing the major bones in the leg. The child not only survived but is thriving today, some seven years after the surgery. In fact, Professor Kenan recently operated on her in order to lengthen the artificial femur since the child has, of course, grown. She is in school, walks and leads a normal, healthy life of a teenager. This story, by the way, was reported in the New York newspapers, on channel 5 and on the Telemundo TV network. Unfortunately, there is a limit to the number of such cases that can be handled in this manner - yet there are hundreds of needy patients that can be helped who die because they are unable to afford quality medical care. With this in mind, Professor Kenan has established the MUSTFUND (Musculo-Skeletal Tumor Foundation). The goal of MUSTFUND is simple: extend financial assistance to patients in need and allow them to receive quality medical care. The Fund will be available to people from all over the world. Emphasis during the initial stage will be placed on children and young adults, although other age groups will receive consideration. Please do consider helping someone in need who may live, in part, because of your generosity. We welcome contributions on all levels. As you are keenly aware, treatment for such ailments is dear. Those of you who are capable of major gifts are encouraged to come forward. Thank you for taking the time to read this letter and appeal. Please note that MUSTFUND is a 501c3 not for profit organization, which makes your contribution tax- deductible. Wishing you a Happy, Healthy New Year. With Warmest Regards, Don Adelman
|