Message from our fundraising campaign co-chairs
Hira Sisodia CBE (left) and Natasha Hyatt-Khan (right)

Dear friends of MPD Support,

It’s a thrilling time for MPD research. Scientists have been studying myeloproliferative disorders (MPDs) for decades, but we’ve never been as close to a cure as we are today in 2008.

The discovery of the JAK2 mutation opened the door to new treatments - therapies we hope will make patients feel stronger, more energetic, less sick from side effects and less likely to suffer from heart attacks, strokes and thrombotic events. We hope these drugs will help all people with MPDs to live longer lives.

What is MPD Support’s role in this new world of designer drugs? First, we need to educate patients, families, haematologists and medical professionals about what is available and how to access the newest treatments. Second, we must ensure that research isn’t slowed by lack of funds.

MPD Support is raising money in 2008 to cover the costs of our on-going programmes: patients’ forums, Peer Support, the MPD Support newsletter and this website.

This year we’re also aiming higher. We hope to raise enough funds in 2008 to offer a grant to researchers in the UK who are studying the genetic mutations behind these disorders and testing the drugs that may lead to better treatments and save lives.

Please help our work by making a donation if you can. Thank you on behalf of all patients who suffer from these rare disorders. We hope to bring you good news in 2008.

Hira Sisodia CBE and Natasha Hyatt-Khan
Co-chairs, MPD Support Charity Fundraising Committee

MPD Support is a UK-based charity under the auspices of the Guy’s and St Thomas’ (GSTT) Charity. Our registered charity number is 251983-30.