OMF is a young and relatively small organization. We have over 3,000 visitors to the OMF website every month from over 35 different countries as well as more than 900 members of the online Patient Forum. We strive to be the best source of information and community for patients, their families, and professionals seeking resources and support when facing, treating, and researching ocular melanoma.

A few current OMF short-term goals:

• Convening of the 2nd Annual Ocular Melanoma Scientific Working Group Symposium in Fall 2010 to bring together experts in the field in order to accelerate research and collaboration with the goal of fast-tracking effective treatments and, eventually a cure, for patients with this disease.
• Development of a new research and treatment agenda to accelerate the pace of medical research and new, effective treatment options for OM.
• Creation of “best practices” clinical guidelines for healthcare professionals and OM patients.
• Further refinement of the OMF website, OMF Patient Forum, and OMF email newsletter as means to efficiently deliver advocacy and support as well as to broadcast research findings.
• A face-to-face patient meeting.

Of course, this all takes two things: time and money. And we’re looking for both!

You can rest assured that any gift – of your valuable time and energy, or of your wallet, no matter how big – will be used wisely to further the mission of OMF, support patients and professionals, and one day find a cure.

You can easily give a donation to OMF by clicking on the secure link to the right. We accept most major credit cards as well as PayPal.

All gifts to OMF are tax-deductible. Upon receipt of your gift, OMF will mail you a receipt for your IRS records.

While donating online is the easiest way to give to OMF, we also accept checks and cash donations. Please mail your donation to:

OMF
P.O. Box 29261
Richmond, VA 23242

Please make personal checks payable to "Ocular Melanoma Foundation."

Ocular Melanoma Foundation warriors are patients, family members, and others affected by ocular melanoma who are courageously fighting this disease and want to support the OMF. Please support our brave warriors who are raising awareness of ocular melanoma and valuable funds to help OMF achieve its important goals.

Often, we're asked how money can be raised through marathons and other events similar to Susan Komen or Team-In-Training. Typically, we work with the designated "warrior" to create a custom gift page so supporters can learn about them, why they're fighting for OMF and to give directly to OMF rather than through an intermediary. To be an OMF Warrior, email grant@ocumel.org.

For a list of active OMF Warrior fundraising pages, see the links at the top right of this page.

Honoring or memoralizing a friend or family member is a thoughtful way to recognize his or her journey with ocular melanoma. Many people also choose to recognize their loved one's special days, such as birthdays or weddings, in lieu of a traditional gift. Doing so is a meaningful way to show your support while helping the OMF support patients and researchers and work toward finding effective treatments and a cure for ocular melanoma.

Please contact us for more information.

A list of the active tribute pages hosted with OMF can be found at the top-right of this page.

For information about planned giving or about establishing a Memorial Trust through the tax-exempt vehicle of OMF, please e-mail Grant Allen: grant@ocumel.org

Another unique way of supporting us is by using a search engine called GoodSearch
(powered by Yahoo!). GoodSearch has developed a way to direct money to your charity of choice with every click or when you shop online at participating retailers, such as Target, Amazon, and Toys R' Us. So, the next time you get on the web to look up anything or to shop online, use GoodSearch…and each time you use the service, the OMF will receive money because of your use.

To sign up:
Step 1: Visit www.goodsearch.com/?charityid=806324 to search online or www.goodshop.com/?charityid=806324to shop online.

Step 2: Type in your specific search.

Step 3: Bookmark the page or select GoodSearch as your new homepage to keep giving to the OMF.

Step 4: Spread the word to your family and friends: the more people use GoodSearch, the more money we receive!

Or use PayPal (also allows American Express):

Barb Strong
Mia Jarlov
Max Berg