These seemingly small donations will help researchers who are looking for biomarkers – simple tests that a doctor could do in the office, like the dip-stick test for sugar in the urine. In order to find a simple test, they have to evaluate thousands of samples from people in various stages of kidney involvement – from zero to high involvement. With your help, we can improve tools for diagnosis, and for tracking the effectiveness of treatments.

In the paper issues sent to U.S. and Canada you will find a reminder magnet. Please keep this handy magnet where you will see it – on your refrigerator or in some other prominent spot.

When surgery is planned, there are so many things to organize and think about – please remember to take a moment to call or write the bank.

If you have pre-registered, all it takes is one phone call.

Even if you have not pre-registered, the staff at the bank will work with you to organize things quickly and efficiently.

Tissue donations are the most important elements in finding a cure. Without tissue to study, research cannot move forward.

If you have a magnet from before, you will notice that we have given you a new number and e-mail address. The old ones will work, but these are more direct and easier to remember. The new magnet has the e-mail “bank@vhl.org”

Thank you! For giving the gift that only you can give – and getting us one step closer to a cure!

Note for International readers: The NDRI Tissue Bank can accommodate donations from U.S. and Canada and some other countries. You are always welcome to inquire. For countries with their own tissue banks, please contact your local bank first. See http://www.vhl.org/bank for details. Magnets are being sent only to members in the U.S. and Canada.

As printed in the VHL Family Forum 15:3, September 2007. For permission to reprint, please contact VHL Family Alliance, editor@vhl.org. Further information is available from the VHL Family Alliance, info@vhl.org.