We are so proud to announce that the Henry Schueler 41 & 9 Foundation Forum on Zygomycosis was held here in Chicago on January 19-20, 2010. The Forum was Chaired by Dr Thomas Walsh, head of the Pediatric Infectious Disease Department at the National Institute of Health. Present were physicians and research scientists from MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, Tx, UCLA's Geffen School of Medicine, the NIH as well as experts from Greece and France. It was an amazing collection of the some of the world's leading experts who came here to hear Hank's story and to discuss better ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the deadly fungal infections, like Zygomycosis, that attack cancer patients like Hank and others, when their host defenses are compromised by treatment or other immune compromise.

All of the fund-raising activities we have done- Cubs game, Oktoberfest, Barry Silver efforts, direct appeals, personal generosity- provided for this event. I truly wish all of you could have been there. These were not just world class experts in the infectious disease field, they were world class human beings. I mentioned to Tom Walsh that same observation and he made it clear that this gathering of individuals was not left to chance. As he stated, there are a lot of experts in the field of infectious disease, but not all of them carry the human touch and selflessness that this group did. By the way, Tom Walsh may be the most singularly impressive human being I have ever met. Next to Susan of course!

To a person, each of them appreciated the chance to hear Hank's story. Though some are clinicians, many are research scientists who are somewhat removed from the human element. Though uncommon, mucor infections are not rare and it ravages several categories of people not just those like Hank who are left almost defenseless because of immune suppression. For example, diabetics are at greater risk than others to develop fungal infections than persons with a normal host defense.

I had an opportunity to tell Hank's story as painful as it was to do and to thank those who made this possible-namely all of you. Dr Cecille Sulman, Hank's primary surgeon in Milwaukee, addressed the audience in detail of their efforts to surgically stay in front of this fungus. One need only to review her presentation to be reminded of the suffering Hank experienced and true courage he displayed. Many of the Drs who actively engage the big pharmaceutical companies for funding, believe strongly that these companies need to hear the toll of human suffering these diseases bring. They were deeply affected emotionally by his story-a feeling not often associated with the clinical approach Drs must take to their daily tasks. At the outset of his presentation, one of the presenters even cracked a bit emotionally, stating that while he obviously did not know Hank, everything he heard over the last 24 hours made him wish he had. Thanks to all of you for helping to tell that story. As Dr Spellberg from UCLA stated, the pharm companies need to fund this research not because it will make them money-it won't-but because it is the right thing to do.

To that end, inquiries were made of our Foundation's willingness to participate where needed in the efforts to attract funding for these badly needed research projects. We were even invited to participate in the next International conference in Greece on May 28-30, where many of our participants will again be featured speakers. We will also see if we will be called upon by some of these Drs. in their efforts to attract funding from the pharmaceutical companies.

You should also know that the Chicago area infectious disease community embraced this conference and expressed their privilege to be there. Our Board medical adviser and neighbor Dr John Flaherty, Professor of Infectious Disease at Northwestern was present for the entire day and brought with him a junior attending physician from Northwestern, Dr Michael Angarone, whose specialty study is the care of immuno-compromised patients. Dr Andrew Bonwit, attending physician from Loyola Medical School attended the full day. Two infectious disease fellows from the University of Chicago were present as was a fellow from Childrens Memorial Hospital. When people like Dr Flaherty tell you what an amazing collection of individuals have come together for this conference and the importance of this work, you know you have accomplished something great.

Your efforts and generosity have opened the door to some amazing opportunities-the HALL research, the Zygo research, the Ignite the Spirit event, our annual Cubs games. One only need to listen to those that we benefitted by holding this conference, the Drs and researchers who are on the front lines of treating our collective children, who spoke of their deep and abiding appreciation for our little Foundation to step forward where others choose to sit on the sidelines and wait for someone else to help. They were amazed by our courage and fortitude just as we were amazed by their talent and commitment to medicine and to fighting disease.

Nothing will change Hank's course or our personal and collective loss of his presence on earth. You all understand how deep our loss is and will continue to be, just like you have been there for Susan and Anna and Joe and me in the past, and just like you were there for Hank during his illness. Yes, I am driven to make a difference in Hank's name and memory. All of you ignited that spirit when you selflessly approached us with the idea of a Foundation and/or supported financially and emotionally this Foundation. We will not stop here. We will continue to push for cures and better treatment options. Susan and I could not be prouder than to be associated with each and everyone of you and to be able to call you our friends. Thank you all for making this happen. I am convinced that somewhere down the road, some family will be thanking anonymous Foundations and people like all of you that have built this Foundation, that helped save their child's life. Your friends always, Matt and Susan