Website Helps Victims

Of Bone Marrow Disorder

Newtown-based TTS Systems, a designer of high quality graphics, Web sites, and Internet-based software, has created a nonprofit Web site, www.friendsofetresearch.org, for the benefit of Friends of ET.

Friends of ET was organized by Celia and Don Miltz of Bethel when their daughter Stephanie was diagnosed in 1997, at the age of 16. ET is a chronic, hematological malignancy that can be life-threatening if untreated. People with ET produce excessive numbers of platelets and are at increased risk for strokes, heart attacks, and/or bleeding abnormalities. Currently there is no cure for this rare bone marrow disorder. The disease can be progressive, evolving into more serious forms, such as myelofibrosis, and acute myeloid leukemia.

The Web site was launched in preparation of the 2nd Annual Friends of ET Golf Classic to be held at Oronoque Country Club in Stratford. Last year, the tournament was held at the Rock Ridge Golf Course in Newtown  and $75,000 was raised in an attempt provide public knowledge, expand research, and help victims learn more about this disease. Currently people have visited, registered, and made pledges to this fundraising event as far away as Italy.

Visit the Web site to learn more, register to play in the tournament, or make a donation to the Friends of ET cause.