My Fundraising Appeal – Let’s END NTDs

10 days to the start of the 2016 Grand to Grand Ultra…

It is almost time to take on the Grand to Grand Ultra. With the training and preparations for the race almost done, it is time to shift my attention to my fundraising efforts in support of the END Fund.

Over 1.6 billion people globally, including 875 million children, are affected by one or more neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) such as intestinal worms, schistosomiasis, lymphatic filariasis, trachoma, and river blindness. As the name suggests, these diseases affect the most neglected and impoverished people, cause severe pain, long-term disability and death, decrease children’s attendance in school and contribute to extreme poverty.

I’m dedicating my participation in the Grand to Grand Ultra to support the END Fund in helping those in Africa suffering from NTDs.

The good news is that NTDs are both treatable and preventable. Because of the low cost, NTD treatment is considered the “best buy” in public health. Studies have shown that NTD treatment is the most cost-effective way to keep children in school by increasing school attendance, as well as concentration and capacity to learn.

Furthermore, Sub-Saharan Africa could save $52 billion by 2030, and gain the equivalent of 100 million life-years, if the region meets the World Health Organisation’s 2020 control and elimination targets for the five most common NTDs.

These are just a few of the reasons why I’m using my participation in the Grand to Grand Ultra to raise both awareness and funds for people suffering from NTDs.

My fundraising target is $10 000, and your support will enable the END Fund to achieve the following impact:

• $25 helps treat 50 people at risk of NTDs for one year
• $40 supports one essential eye surgery to prevent blindness from trachoma
• $100 helps treat 200 people at risk of NTDs for one year
• $250 helps treat 500 people at risk of NTDs for one year
• $500 helps treat 1,000 people at risk for NTDs for one year

I appeal to you to visit my fundraising page, make a donation, and encourage your friends and colleagues to do the same.

Your donation will make a real, lasting impact in the lives of those in need.

Together, we can END NTDs!

The countdown to the Grand to Grand Ultra continues…

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I’m using my participation in the Grand to Grand Ultra to raise public awareness about NTDs, highlight the work of the END Fund, and mobilise $10 000 in support of the END Fund’s work in Africa.

I invite you to support my fundraising campaign and encourage others to do the same.

Follow updates on my blog, Facebook, Twitter, fundraising page, and via the END Fund’s various online platforms.