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The Abigail Story

The Abigail Alliance was incorporated in the state of Virginia in November of 2001. However, the Alliance really
started in early March of 2001 when Abigail, who had just turned twenty-one, had run out of conventional options in
her battle against cancer, and was being treated at Johns Hopkins. Abigail's very talented oncologist urged us to
try and get the EGFR targeted drug C225 (Erbitux) from small Imclone Systems or Iressa from very large Astra
Zeneca. Abigail's cancer cells had a very high EGFR expression and her oncologist strongly felt these drugs had
a very significant chance of saving her life.

Abigail was still strong then as we worked hard and intelligently and launched, with Abigail's involvement and help,
a three-pronged approach. We lobbied the two pharmaceutical companies with much vigor including getting help
from some very influential people. Then we worked hard and furiously to solicit Congressional help. With Abigail, we
launched a media effort that resulted in numerous stories in the press. As tired and weak as she was, Abigail did
multiple newspaper and television interviews.

Abigail died on June 9, 2001 as she was trying to gain some strength, when we were finally able to get Abigail into
a clinical trial of a third drug (OSI774). Ten hours after the most horrible tragedy I could have ever imagined, I decided
that I would continue with my efforts. Through those difficult times Abigail's devoted Mom and Step Dad did so much
to care for Abigail, comfort Abigail, and to help her keep as much independence as possible. Abigail's Mom,
Kathleen Dunn, is currently writing a book about the Abigail story.

After the third 'Washington Post' story on June 12, 2001, I came into contact with Doug Baxter whose sixteen
year-old son, David, was battling colorectal cancer. David lost his brave battle on October 6, 2001. Doug testified with
me before Representative Dan Burton's Government Oversight Committee on June 20, 2001. Doug is also on the
Abigail Alliance Board of Directors. During the four-hour hearing on the issue of expanded access – compassionate
use, I was asked by Representative Burton as to whether I was mad at the pharmaceutical companies. My reply was,
"We do not need any enemies regarding better access to developmental life saving drugs. We need the help of the
multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical industry, the U.S. Government, and others  to help solve this problem".

The Abigail Alliance is moving forward. We have been speaking at major meetings, promoting creative ideas at the
 FDA and on Capitol Hill, getting information out to the public, and directing cancer patients to reliable sources for
further information.

Frank Burroughs, President
Office: (540) 899-3766
frankburroughs@abigail-alliance.org
36 Aspen Hill Dr.
Fredericksburg, VA 22406

Board of Directors:
Doug Baxter, David's Father, Cancer Advocate
Gene Krueger, Abigail's Step Father, Cancer Advocate
Anne Agnew, Booz, Allen, Hamilton
Prince Agarwal, University of Virginia
Cynthia Small, Charter One Mortgage
Linda Springfield, Cancer Advocate
John Rowe, Kianna's Father, Cancer Advocate