<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

I am posting this to the list for Bob Levy, a volunteer who is helping
out with the study.  Please send any enquiries to Pam King at the phone
number or address listed below.--Jim Lyles

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                        Fundraising Update
         Center for Celiac Research Multi-Center Serological Study
                Update As of September 1, 1998


The University of Maryland's Center For Celiac Research has received
approximately $190,000 in contributions and pledges.

Thanks to those of you who have made pledges and gifts, we have been
able to purchase and install a dedicated computer system.  The six (6)
regional centers have begun minimal screening of study participants.
Thanks to a partial grant provided by the University of Trieste, we now
have one of the leading international experts in entiendomysium celiac
disease assisting us full time in our lab.

We have tested 1178 samples as part of the Study for the Prevalence of
Celiac Disease in the United States.  Our preliminary findings indicate
a 6% positive finding of first-degree relatives and 3.4% positive
finding of second-degree relatives of Celiacs.  These findings are in
the same range as were found in most of the European studies done in
previous years.

As we initially stated in our protocol, we will need to test a total of
45,000 blood samples.  All the tools and players are in place - now
we need the necessary dollars to put the study into full operation.
Blood testing and shipping charges will increase significantly in direct
proportion to the samples processed.

We thank all of you who have made gifts and pledges.  The Celiac
community has been very supportive of our grass-roots fund-raising
effort.

When we began this effort back in May 1997, we suggested that if 1000
Celiacs, relatives or friends would make a commitment to pledge $200 per
year for three (3) years we would be on our way to funding this
extremely important study.

To date we have received ONLY 122 pledges in the amount of $70,335. We
have also received a significant number of cash contributions, and as
previously announced we were blessed to receive a generous gift of
$50,000 from the Oberkotter Foundation.

For now, we cannot count on any financial assistance from the NIH.  So
once again asking YOU to please help us. Remember we are not asking you
to make a contribution, but to make an investment in the well being of
every Celiac - now and in the future.

                                HOW?

1) If you have not made a pledge or contribution, please consider making
   one at this time.

2) If possible, increase your current pledge or make an additional gift.

3) Discuss the importance of this study with fellow Celiacs, relatives,
   friends or whoever might be in a position to help. Ask them to
   contribute.

4) Organize discussions and/or fund-raising efforts with your local
   support group.

5) Help us to identify possible organizations, companies, trusts or
   foundations that might be in a position to help.  Contact Pam King,
   410-706-8021 for any questions or assistance.

All donations and pledges should be made payable to the UM Foundation,
Inc. - Center for Celiac Research, Attention:  Pamela King, Director of
External Affairs, 700 W. Lombard Street, Baltimore, Maryland  21201.
These funds are being managed by the UM Foundation, Inc.

Thank you again for your commitment to this invaluable research.