April 21, 2011
Senatobia, MS 38668
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Hanna Williams and I am the founder of Hayden’s Heroes, an organization to raise money for MECP2 duplication syndrome research. This is close to my heart because my son, Hayden, was diagnosed with this shortly after his birth. It is a very rare disorder that affects 220 children worldwide. This disorder was just discovered in 2005 and, therefore, very little research has been done to provide answers for the families of those affected by the disorder. Females can be carriers of MECP2, but males are physically affected by this syndrome. Some of the characteristics of this disorder are: mental retardation (in 100%), recurrent respiratory infections (in 80%), epilepsy (in 50%), limited or absent speech, autistic behaviors, and many more. This short description doesn’t even begin to cover the devastating affects of MECP2. If you would like to learn more, please visit www.mecp2duplication.com.
Unfortunately, Hayden passed away on October 27, 2010, four months after his birth. Sadly, the affect of this syndrome does not end with Hayden. This is a genetic disorder which means that any future children I have may also be affected by MECP2. There are also many other families that are dealing with the hardships of having more than one child with the health problems MECP2 causes.
I am writing this letter in the hope of not only spreading awareness of this disorder, but also in the hope that you will become a sponsor for our 5-k/10-k Run/Walk. Hayden’s Heroes will be held on September 10, 2011, at the Desoto Athletic Center in Southaven, Mississippi. We are organizing this in order to raise money for the
MECP2 Foundation, a non-profit organization that raises money for research on this disorder. Baylor College of Medicine in Houston, Texas, is where the current research is being done. Over the past few years, extensive research has been done, but we are a long way from finding a cure or prevention for
MECP2. The money for the research is just not available without help from companies like you.
Attached is a list of sponsorships we are seeking, and the incentives that they include for your company. If you have any questions, interested in being a sponsor, or helping in any other way, please contact our sponsor coordinator, Laura Brady. She can be reached at 615-512-8651.
We really appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
Respectfully,
Hanna Williams
Hayden’s Heroes
Below is a list of incentives for your sponsorship:
Bronze ($100): Company advertising in the runner’s goody bag.
Silver ($250): Your Company name/logo will be included in the design of the T-shirt & you will get company advertising in the runner’s goody bag.
Gold ($500): You will have your own booth at the race, your companies name will be on the website and in the race pamphlets, and your company will receive the same incentives included in the Silver category.
Platinum ($1,000): We will advertise your company’s name/logo on the banners at the race and your company will receive the same incentives included in the Gold category.
Diamond ($2,000): Hayden’s Heroes 5-K run would be sponsored by your company and your company name would be in the event title. Your company would also receive all of the incentives listed in the above categories.
