Dear Friends,
Most of you I have met in the last several months. Some of you may know that I have a younger brother, Jonathan. A few of you probably know that Jon has Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disease that effects the lungs and digestive system, and for which there is currently no cure. Every year, I participate in the Great Strides walkathon to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which supports research into therapies and treatments for this illness.
When Jon was born, his lungs collapsed. My parents were told he would never leave the hospital. But he did.
When he came home, we had round-the-clock nursing care in our home, and Jon was on oxygen. Doctors said he probably wouldn't make it to 10.
When Jon was 7, they discovered the gene that causes CF. His life expectancy was around 15 at the time.
Three years later, Jon turned 10 and earned a black belt in karate. While strong, we were told 25 was what he could expect.
Last year, Jon turned 25. The life expectancy for CF patients is now somewhere around 40. I expect him to have a full life and never let a predicted number decide anything for him. He hasn't yet.
My parents get a huge part of the credit for this. Throughout his childhood they were diligent about his treatments, ensuring he got every medication he was supposed to and received the lung therapies he needed.
But the other major component of my brother's ever-increasing life expectancy is thanks to the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The CFF does a fantastic job of funding research, and is widely known as one of the best organizations to donate to because they are so good about making sure the money goes to the best research with the most potential.
However, in these past few years of economic downturn, for the first time ever, they have had to cut back on the research they are able to perform.
With all that in mind, I am asking for sponsors and donors for the Great Strides CF walkathon coming up on May 16. Two years ago, I raised $250 for research. Last year, I raised more than double that. This year, my goal is $1500, which I am raising on behalf of Jon, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation office in Madison, WI, which has had to cut its staff down to one and a half people this year.
I know many of us have had a tough year financially, I of all people understand that. But if you can help out with anything, even just $5 or $10, it will be greatly appreciated.
To see my progress and donate online, go to my Great Strides webpage at:
http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=6370&idUser=294974
I will also be posting about my fundraising efforts on my blog at www.onlythecurious.com
I thank you for your support and friendship.
Sincerely,
Nicole Relyea
If you're willing and able, I hope you'll join me in supporting Nicole!