e-mailed and received an answer. do not have permission to post it.
----- Original Message -----
From: jim ******
To: billgates@......
Sent: Thursday, December 21, 2006 5:37 PM
Subject: Sickle Cell disease
Dear Bill and Melinda Gates;
I am writing this out of the blue. I know your time is valuable, but I also know of your interest in helping those suffering around the world. It is with Admiration and Respect I am e-mailing you.
I originally started out as an investor in a company called Xechem. they are developing a new treatment for Sickle Cell Disease. I have done extensive due diligence on the company, but it has grown into a passion for those suffering with Sickle Cell Disease. As an American, it is easy to be insulated from the hardships of others. Third world countries, as you know have a tough time. But the plight of those suffering with SCD in a third world country is even worse. I have been in contact with organizations for SCD and have found out having SCD is basically a death sentence to many, the life expectancy in Africa, (Nigeria and Uganda) is five years old.
I have become a campaigner for this disease and is my purpose for writing you. I know that there are channels to go through, processes to follow and hurdles to leap, but it is my hope that you can give me a starting point. I do not know the extent of your knowledge of this devastating disease, but it has recently been elevated to the number two cause (number 1 is Aids) in Africa. There are over 10,000,000 sufferers in Africa alone.
I don't know where to begin, I only know you might be able to help.
I can put you in touch with some of the organizations I have been dealing with and have tried to help. You can contact myself and we can begin there. I know your life is filled with e-mails like this, but I am hoping you can find it in your heart to consider helping those that are suffering. I could not believe the pain crisis these unfortunate people endure. Being an American, my heart strings and sympathy is motivating me to write you in defense of those African / African Americans that are plagued by this disease.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Jim Madsen
Address and phone number deleted
