Some of you may have received a private e-mail, but I wanted to share my situation with other friends, some I may have known for 5+ years by way of a mutual edig investment and internet communication.

You are very important to me and my family. I will keep this short and to the point.

January 2005, I was told that I had bladder cancer. Throughout the course of the last 1 ½ years I have had several biopsies, different treatments attempting to destroy any cancer tumors or cell growth and along with frequent monitoring of the situation.

Initially, this was handled by my Urologist, but subsequently, it was recommended that I should continue any and all treatment and evaluation at the MD Anderson Cancer Center in the Houston Medical Center. This hospital is world renowned and has many of the top doctors specializing in cancer treatment and research.

Unfortunately, the treatments throughout that time frame were not successful and as a result, I will need to have a delicate, complicated and very serious operation. I have every confidence in the surgeons at this hospital, but would ask that all of you keep me in your prayers before, during, and after the surgery. Many tests are being conducted to insure I am a reasonable candidate for this 6-7 hour surgery, scheduled for August 16. The hospital stay is supposed to last from 7 to 10 days; I hope and pray no complications arise, and that I can return home within that time frame.

Some of you will remember the situation I faced in June 2001, and your thoughts and prayers were very much appreciated then.

As a personal comment, we sometimes forget in our ever so complicated daily life’s, the importance of family, health, and friends, and then realize when we need support in an unforeseen circumstance; the family and friends are there to help.

As in 2001, my wife will keep you informed of my progress, hopefully with good news after the surgery is done.

I do need your prayers.

Your friend,

Richard (OZ) Osborne and my wife Joan