M.U. Foundation

Mission Statement:
The M.U. Foundation is a charitable non-profit 501c(3) corporation established in 2006. Our mission targets victims of childhood ailments such as cancer, blood disorders, seizures and other life threatening childhood illnesses. Through donations and funds received via various fundraising events, we assist families coping with the financial burdens associated with a sick child. Additional funds, not to exceed 50% of gross donations, may be contributed towards facilities conducting moral/humane research towards a cure/treatment of the multiple childhood cancers/illnesses.

Why this mission?
The M.U. Foundation is a Christian based organization believing that “all children matter to God and therefore need to matter to us.” We have established the foundation in memory of Muhammad Usmani, a beloved family member and charitable businessman, who succumbed to leukemia. The effects of childhood illnesses are not only devastating to the patient but to the families as well.
Some current statistics are as follows:

Cancer is the #1 killer of children under the age of 14 yrs. next to accidents.
Even with insurance coverage, families can expect to spend $40,000/year. The financial burden further compounds the emotional and spiritual hardships experienced by the entire family.
More than 10,000 children are diagnosed with cancer annually.
More than 1,500 children will die within 1 year of diagnosis.
Research has increased survival rates from 58% in 1977 to 79% in 2002.
Re: Autism- prevelence = 1 in 150 births⁽¹⁾
1 to 1.5 million Americans⁽²⁾
Fastest-growing developmental disability
10 - 17 % annual growth
Growth comparison during the 1990s⁽³⁾:
- U.S. population increase: 13%
- Disabilities increase: 16%
- Autism increase: 172%
$90 billion annual cost⁽⁴⁾
90% of costs are in adult services⁽⁴⁾
Cost of lifelong care can be reduced by 2/3 with early diagnosis and intervention⁽⁴⁾
In 10 years, the annual cost will be $200-400 billion⁽⁵⁾

Our goal…
With each event, we hope to raise enough funds to effectively decrease the financial burden a family is experiencing in treating their child’s illness. In a broader scope we hope to bring greater awareness of these diseases and the constant flow of funds necessary to sustain effective research. In collaboration with event participants, health care organizations and other charitable organizations, the M.U. Foundation is committed to being an integral part of the team fighting for the lives of these afflicted children one family at a time.

Sincerely,
David Negron, President and Co-Founder