Dear Friends  

 I love birthdays!

 My 42^nd birthday is coming up on 5^th July and I will be spending it at the National Neurological Hospital in Queen Square.   I knew I wanted to mark the occasion in a different and special way.  I thought it was an opportune time to ask you, my dear friends, to help me raise some money towards the National Hospital Development Foundation (NHDF). 

 Everything changed for me on the 14^th May 2007 when the first symptoms of my brain tumour became apparent.  One thing this has taught me is that none of us know what is round the corner.  For me, without surgery there would have been no 43^rd birthday to celebrate.  Thank G-d after an 8 hour operation I am now on the slow but steady road to recovery with the help of the incredible team at the National.

 During my stay I have met people from all walks of life, many younger than me who have not only had brain tumours but also MS, strokes and mystery illnesses which have brought them to the National.  Just like me these illnesses happened totally out of the blue.  You can’t help but be touched by all the stories you hear and the resulting dramatic changes to people’s lives.  Mr Neil Kitchen, my surgeon, is trying to raise money for the BrainSUITE Operating Theatre within the National, which is desperately needed.  I would really like to help them achieve this for those people who need the National in the future.

 So if you were thinking of remembering my birthday, the gift that would give me the greatest joy would be a donation, however large or small, to the people who are rebuilding me and giving me a new life!  I can’t think of any money better spent. 

Please can you also consider if you might know anyone else who would want to support my appeal - please either cut and paste the following link http://www.justgiving.com/ilanasalem  or use the "promote this page" link above to send this appeal to lots of people in your address book.

 With loads of love and appreciation

 Ilana  

For further information about the National Hospital Development Foundation, please try the following link: http://www.uclh.nhs.uk/Charities+at+UCLH/National+Hospital+Development+Foundation/Fundraising+appeals.htm