This year's operating expenses of $38,143 were up only 5.3% over fiscal 1996, even tough the U.S. membership was up 26% and the worldwide membership was up 27.5% over the previous year. This is due to the hard work of a dedicated corps of volunteers in twelve countries. We are all volunteers. We pay no staff, we do not rent office space. Our modest expenses go directly into programming and research.

Our budget for the coming year is $40,000 and out goal for research funding is another $40,000. We can only spend what we have. The number and size of this year's research grants will depend on your generosity.

We are already making a difference, bringing closer the day when there will be a better medical management for VHL. In addition, we are inaugurating a new Teen Conference Call monthly, to support the young people newly diagnosed with VHL through their sensitive teen years. Write for more information about the Special Projects that need special assistance.

We realize that not everyone can contribute money, and we want to make sure that everyone has the information they need. If you can afford to give, please give little extra for the person who can't. And, if you can't afford to give at this time, perhaps you might sugest to a friend or relative that they contribute in your honor instead of buying you that holiday gift.

If every family could donate an average of $100 or ore, we would more than meet this goal. Be a leader in promoting research -- if not us, then Who will do it? If not now, When?

As published in the 1997 Research Report