July 12, 2002

Dear Colleagues & Friends,

There have been many rumors circulating about the state of my health, and I recognize that many people are extremely concerned. Our office has been inundated with well wishers and people with questions from all over the country. I am very appreciative of everyone's concern and simply wish to stop the rumor mill by revealing that I have been diagnosed with high grade prostate carcinoma. I am going to be taken care of right here at Johns Hopkins which is the best place in the world for this diagnosis, and I anticipate a full and complete recovery.

The recuperation does mean that I will be away for several weeks, but I fully intend to be back in the saddle and working at full steam by the end of the summer.

Instead of cards, flowers, and other expressions, if anyone wishes to do something, feel free to make a donation to the Carson Scholars Fund at 305 W. Chesapeake Avenue, Suite L-020 Towson, MD, 21204; or The Benevolent Endowment Network Fund (BEN Fund) c/o Ronald M. Shapiro, Esquire, 36 S. Charles Street, 20th Floor, Baltimore, MD, 21201. Through these endeavors many other people can be helped. Thanks.

Sincerely yours,

Benjamin S. Carson, M.D.
Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery
Professor of Neurological Surgery,
Oncology, Plastic Surgery, and Pediatrics