Dear Friends,
When we were introduced to the all the possibilities for better patient outcomes and greatly reduced trauma with the use of focused ultrasound in a number of different surgical procedures, the last thing we were considering was another cause to embrace.
For the last decade we had devoted much of our discretionary time and treasure to a variety of social causes, including several that targeted medical research. When Tom started retirement in June of last year, we began to define how we could reduce the number of organizations we were supporting and the amount of donations we were making. Although happy to have done what we could with the financial blessings that had come our way, it was obviously a time when we had less to give than when Tom was an active employee.
When we met with Dr. Kassell, what we heard was so powerful and compelling that we simply had to respond. But, we wondered how we could help when we didn’t have the financial resources that could really “move the needle.”
The answer came during a meeting with Foundation Board member, John Grisham. We learned that the Focused Ultrasound Surgery Foundation had made $100,000 grants to support clinical trials throughout the country and that there was a great need to expand the number of trials. We could make our contribution to this exciting effort by funding one grant.
We regret that we don’t have the financial resources to do more, because we realize that more funds could hasten the day when the benefits of focused ultrasound surgery will be available to those we know and love. Our gift can only make a small impact on the long journey that these procedures must take to reach perfection and full implementation in medical practice.
Still, we are comforted that we have done something that might push the ball forward even a little. Perhaps someone’s physical life will be improved as a part of a trial our donation made possible. Maybe our small gesture might encourage others to do what they can. As a friend once wisely said, “the smallest good deed is greater than the grandest good intention.”
Sincerely,
Tom and Nancy Chewning
Richmond, Virginia
