I would like a moment of your time to comment on the Department of Neurology's recent accomplishments, due in no small part to your support, and explain how your continued support is more important than ever.

The Department has managed, since its inception in 1995, to attain many of its loftiest goals. Some of our major accomplishments include:

• A two-fold increase in outpatients treated annually
• A three-fold increase in sponsored funding for research activity
• A two-fold increase in the number of faculty members
• Development and growth of many specialty programs, including stroke, multiple sclerosis, epilepsy, neurogenetics, and muscular dystrophy

Unfortunately, this success brings with it many corresponding costsöcosts that sometimes cannot, by regulation, be covered through state or departmental sources. These costs, which are often attributable to critical activities, such as educational programs and faculty recruitment, continue to grow as we manage an increasingly larger and more complex program.

The Department of Neurology is developing long-term solutions to this chronic problem. Our best alternative is to establish an endowment for so-called "discretionary funds" that will yield ongoing dividends to the Department. University policies, however, require a minimal initial investment of $25,000 to establish such a fund. This is where your help is so important: by donating at this time, you can help the Department meet its immediate goal of establishing a discretionary endowment fund, with the ultimate goal of strengthening the Department's long-term ability to serve the needs of its patients.

For the above reasons, I urge you to consider a donation to the Department of Neurology's Discretionary Fund. Your support will enable the Department to build upon its past success and further strengthen its missions.

• Should you choose to provide your support, click here for information on how to contribute.

Thank you for your consideration of this most important request. We greatly appreciate your past contributions, and hope we can count on your continued support.

Sincerely,

Bruce R. Ransom, M.D., Ph.D.
Professor and Chairman
Department of Neurology, University of Washington