October 10, 2009

Dear Friends:

We are pleased to announce that we have officially reached the $100,000.00 mark in recipient pay outs! Without the overwhelming support of our community, this would not have been possible! This year The Foundation has experienced tremendous growth and I would like to thank everyone that has made this possible through fund-raising, donations, and giving their time to help us.

Dr. Gurucharri was a well-known surgeon who practiced general and thoracic surgery in Boone County Missouri from 1980 - 2003. He displayed a passion for the pursuit and application of medical knowledge that was exceeded only by his compassion - compassion that included the medical, spiritual, and financial needs of patients.

The foundation is a non-profit organization that initially provided financial assistance to Boone County residents undergoing treatment for cancer. Due to generous donations from the community this has been expanded to include the counties of Boone, Howard, Cooper, Moniteau, Cole, Callaway, Audrain, and Randolph. To be eligible, the resident must demonstrate limited financial resources.

Social workers in area hospitals and clinics will evaluate patients' financial status and refer patients in need of assistance to the Foundation. Patients may apply for a maximum of $750 per year. Funds are available for medications, medical treatment, medical equipment, transportation, dental care, or other needs as determined by the social worker.

We are asking for your financial support to help preserve the legacy of Dr. Gurucharri and to assist these patients from our community in their time of need. In Dr. Gurucharri's own words, "People Help People," which he found was true when the community helped him during his bone marrow transplant and illness.

Your support of the Foundation is greatly appreciated.

Sincerely,

Maura E. Hodges
President
Vincent P. Gurucharri Foundation