IN MEMORY OF DADU (my loving grandfather):

Dear friends, family, and complete strangers,

Last year, I set out to run in support of glaucoma research at Mass Eye & Ear, because I witnessed first hand what patients go through when they lose their vision slowly over time.  Over the course of several decades, my grandfather went blind due to glaucoma, a disease that is one of the leading causes of irreversible vision loss worldwide.  I was touched by how much support you all gave me last year, despite rough economic times.  When my grandfather passed away this past February, he was also thankful for all of your donations and well wishes.

This year, I hope to beat my pledge from 2012 by 60%.  That means I will have to work a little harder.  I cannot tell you how rewarding it is to be able to participate in the research that this fundraiser supports and to work in the laboratory of Dr. Douglas Rhee, a leader in the field (http://bmctoday.net/glaucomatoday/pdfs/gt0912_peer_review.pdf).  Most of all, I appreciate the chance to run alongside the many teammates who inspired my participation in the first place.  I am proud to be a member of this team and hope you will support us.  I'll see you at the finish line in April!

Best,

Ayan

A message from Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary:

At Mass. Eye and Ear, our focus is your quality of life.  We treat everything that has to do with the eyes, ears, nose, throat, head and neck - so that you and those you care about can get more out of the world around us.

Our physicians are more than just specialists; each is also a researcher and a teacher.  These doctors don't just apply the latest advances in medicine; they invent them.  Together with Mass. Eye and Ear scientists, they work tirelessly to understand the root causes of diseases that both take people's lives and rob too many others of their quality of life.

Every dollar raised makes it possible for Mass. Eye and Ear to excel in clinical care, research and medical education.  That, in turn, allows us to provide the finest specialty care to every person who comes through our door and to share our knowledge in order to help patients around the world.

Thank you for your support.