NOVEMBER 5th 2010
A Benefit for the Armstrong Family
Become an Event Sponsor
By now we have all heard of the tragic illness that has fallen upon our dear friend Jim Armstrong, a/k/a “Stretch”. On November 5, 2010, a fundraising event will be held for Jim and his family at the Belmont Station of the Chicago Yacht Club. At this time we would like to ask for your support in sponsoring the event or donating a silent auction item.
On a daily basis, there is some mention of the state of our nation’s health care in the news. Whatever your opinion is on the matter, there is no question that health care costs can become insurmountable for anyone when they are faced with a sudden and serious illness. Jim’s case is no exception.
Jim’s health struggles began in June when he was diagnosed with a sudden and severe case of myocarditis that has left him in need of a heart transplant. The immediate and long-term costs of a heart transplant are staggering. The first year costs average approximately $800,000.00. Thereafter, the cost of anti-rejection medicines and continuing medical care will cost tens of thousands of dollars annually.
Now we have an opportunity to help Jim and his family. If you are interested in being a sponsor of this fundraiser or donating items for an auction, please return the attached forms as soon as possible. Your contribution will directly benefit Jim, his wife and three young daughters. You can help give this family security and peace of mind during these trying times.
In his own way, Jim is continuing to help others through his illness. Jim became the first person in the United States to undergo an experimental procedure where two small pumps were implanted in his heart. This has allowed him to go home and be with his family while he gets strong enough for his transplant. Leave it to Jim to make history! Read all about it at http://www.nmh.org/nm/bivad+release.
Jim’s willingness to undergo this procedure and document his experience will likely help countless future heart transplant patients improve their quality of life while awaiting transplant. This is no surprise for those of us who know Jim. From coaching kid’s soccer to working with disabled sailors, Jim is always helping others.
We want Jim back! I am sure that you share our sentiments in wanting to again see our sailing, coaching soccer, and attending Monday Night Men’s Club.
Please set the date aside for the benefit and seriously consider this opportunity to help.
Thank you for your support!
DONATE AN AUCTION ITEM
As an alternative to sponsorship, please consider donating an item that can be auctioned on the night of the event. Popular items include but are not limited to wine baskets, artwork, vacation home stays, airline tickets, jewelry, tickets to popular events, golf outings, sports memorabilia, electronics, and gift certificates to major department stores, spas or restaurants.
Please return this form with your donation as soon as possible. All auction donors will be recognized at the event.
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Yes! I would like to donate an auction item.
Item Description: _______________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Value of Item: ________________________________________________________________________
Name: ________________________________________________________________________
Address: ________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
Phone: ________________________________________________________________________
_____ Please check here if you would like your gift to remain anonymous.
Please deliver this form and your auction item as soon as possible to:
Jonathan Flusser
C/o Bank of America
135 S. LaSalle St., Suite 1111
Chicago, IL 60603
(312) 992-6332
Have a Heart for Stretch's Blog 
Posted by David Stevenson on September 23, 2010 at 1:42 am
From a fellow Myocarditis victim in the UK good luck.