Frequently Asked Questions About the DOC16 Foundation
Q: 1. What does DOC 16 hope to accomplish by raising funds?
Q: 2. What will your research accomplish?
Q: 4. Is my donation tax deductible?
Q: 5. What percentage of my donation will be used to help affected individuals?
Answers
Q: 1. What does DOC 16 hope to accomplish by raising funds?
A: We aim to promote research that can offer a better understanding of these rare abnormalities and their implications for affected children, as well as raise awareness about chromosome 16 disorders. In January 2000 we offered our first grant for $30,000 for research into chromosome 16 disorders. We will be able to offer more substantial grants as more funds come in.
Q: 2. What will your research accomplish?
A: Chromosome 16 research will be beneficial on at least two counts:
- Understanding the causes and complications related to these disorders will enable us to find ways to minimize their effects so that these children can lead fuller, healthier lives.
- The genes for major diseases are located on one or more of the 23 pairs of chromosomes. Determining what chromosome houses a particular gene can improve treatment of those diseases. For example, researchers looking into Down Syndrome (trisomy 21) discovered new information about the origin of Alzheimer's disease. New, potentially more effective treatment for Alzheimer's has been developed because of this understanding.
A: Yes, the known number of children who have specific chromosome 16 disorders is small. However, the number of miscarriages due to these disorders is large and mosaic trisomy 16 may be a relatively common cause of poor fetal growth. The number of adults with translocations and other abnormalities of chromosome 16 is unknown. We do know that disorders of chromosome 16 affect hundreds of thousands of pregnancies each year. And due to the connective nature of genetic research, research into the workings of chromosome 16 has the potential to help millions of people-men, women, and children alike.
The affected individuals, most of whom are children, deserve the best medical treatment available. It is an injustice to deny these children resources and research just because their illnesses do not constitute a major health threat; it is not fair to say that their pain and suffering does not matter; and it is not right to ignore scientific leads that might create treatments and cures. Well-funded, scientific research is the only way to help these children reach their potential and may, in fact, help many more.
Q: 4. Is my donation tax deductible?
A: Yes. The DOC 16 Foundation is a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit agency. All donations are tax-deductible.
Q: 5. What percentage of my donation will be used to help affected individuals?
A: You can be assured that the Disorders of Chromosome 16 Foundation will use 100% of your donation to fund research and aid affected individuals. DOC16 is a completely volunteer organization. We have no paid staff and we do not use any professional fund-raisers.