A Plea from HEA Board of Directors

As a volunteer board, we are proud of some recent actions we have been able to take, such as our Sept. Newsletter, and the Online Open House event on Sept. 28th.

As an charitable non profit organization (501c3 registered) HEA had strong hopes that our online open house would motivate some of the many website users to join as paid members in a show of support for the work we have accomplished and the many great things we have planned for the future. This did not happen despite over 700 unique hits to the website during the open house we had NO new members sign up. This was very disappointing after such a fantastic day. We now need to move past hoping and issue a strong plea for each of you to support HEA by becoming a paid member.

A non profit, volunteer run organization cannot survive without members and basic operating funds. HEA is such an organization and we are in serious need of both members and basic operating funds. We are not a huge organization with plenty of grants and government funding... we have a volunteer lady who is our webmaster a very dedicated Executive Director who volunteers much of his time also, and a board of 7 volunteer members... that’s it.

Our message board has over 400 registered users, yet almost all of these users are not paid HEA members. Maintaining the website and paying for the associated software costs money. Without members we will not have the funds to continue this.

HEA is committed to actively pursuing grants to help provide funds that can be used for developing resources and increasing services and support to people with HS/ES and their loved ones. The problem is that as an organization we must have a solid number of real paid members or we risk losing our 501c3 designation and risk not being seen as eligible for grant funding.

If we cannot dramatically increase our membership within the next 30 days, we will be forced to take action to ensure the survival of this website and resource that has already changed many lives. We are considering making the message board a read only resource where only paid HEA members can post. We will also look at restricting access to sections of the HEA webpage that are currently open to anyone so that these are only accessible to paid members. In addition we will be adding new sections such as the searchable database and a photo / illustration section for paid members.

Becoming an official HEA member does not mean you lose your anonymity; we have a very solid confidentiality policy in place and will actively protect your privacy. You will also not be obligated to take on HEA duties if you join; you will still be able to participate only to the degree that you are comfortable with.

The Board of Directors are committed to ensuring HEA continues to be a strong source for information and support for people with Hypospadias and Epispadias and their families / loved ones.

** Please register to be a paid HEA member today.
(Basic membership is only $36.00 for a full year.)

** Please consider making a donation to HEA so we can
continue our work. It’s tax deductable.

** Please encourage others you know (family members, physician, etc)
to join or donate.

Chris Arnold, HEA President