FW: CF
Dear Friends and Family,
I hope that this letter finds you and your loved ones doing well.
As many of you know, I am an event coordinator for the Connecticut chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In my year and a half of being part of this foundation, I have met some extraordinary and inspiring families suffering from cystic fibrosis. For the second year now, I am participating in our Great Strides walk-a-thon to help raise money to fund the research so vital to these families affected by CF. I am walking on May 17th in Danbury, CT as a member of Team CF Busters, and I have a goal of raising $1,000.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with cystic fibrosis, CF is a fatal, genetic disease affecting over 30,000 Americans. It is the highest genetic killer of children in the U.S. The faulty CF gene causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that affects mainly the respiratory and digestive systems, but also causes damage to the kidneys and liver. CF is what we call an “orphan disease”, meaning that CF research does not receive any federal funding. All of the money needed to fund this research is raised by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through our events, such as Great Strides. In 1955, when the foundation was first started, the average life expectancy for a CF patient was only 4 years old. Today, because of the money raised by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the average life expectancy has risen to 37.4 years. It is because of the generous support of our donors and volunteers that we have been able to develop life-changing research for our CF patients.
For the first time in Foundation history, we are having to cut back on our research. This comes at an imperative time for the Foundation, as researchers have been able to identify the CF gene, isolate it, and reverse the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Now, more than ever, we need to put all of our effort and energy into this research, in hopes that we can make CF stand for Cure Found.
Before I started working for the CF Foundation, I didn’t know anything about cystic fibrosis. I have been inspired by so many people since my journey with the CF Foundation began, from a 12 year-old CF patient climbing Mt. Washington, to a CF patient able to blow out the birthday candles on her 25th birthday after receiving a double lung transplant, and those patients who have left a legacy of hope and inspiration after succumbing to CF. I have met so many wonderful families, many who remind me of my own, who are anxiously awaiting the day when their son or daughter, niece, nephew, cousin, or friend is free from this disease. I am committed and passionate about helping them realize this dream.
It is because of these wonderful families, inspiring patients, and dedicated volunteers that I am determined to do my part in the fight against CF. It is because I am thankful for my own health and the health of my loved ones that I am committed to help those families less fortunate than my own. Please join me in this fight, and one day, when we find a cure for cystic fibrosis, as I truly believe that we will, we can all say that we were a part of that cure.
This is where I need your help. I understand that times are tough right now, so I am not asking for much. If you are able to donate at all towards my $1,000 goal, any amount is greatly appreciated. If you are not able to donate personally, please consider asking someone who may be able to on my behalf. Consider your neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, employers and employees. Remember, you are not asking for yourself, you are asking for all the children and adults living and dying with cystic fibrosis every day.
Approximately 90 cents of every dollar goes directly towards CF research, so feel comfortable and confident that your money will be used efficiently. In fact, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been rated as one of the top 5 efficient and innovative charity organizations for the past 12 years.
In the words of 12 year-old Courtney, a CF patient, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart and lungs!”
Lots of Love,
Stacy Giacchi
To donate, please visit www.cff.org. On the left hand side of the screen, please choose GREAT STRIDES. Select "find a walker" and enter my name. You can then select "Make a Donation"
I hope that this letter finds you and your loved ones doing well.
As many of you know, I am an event coordinator for the Connecticut chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In my year and a half of being part of this foundation, I have met some extraordinary and inspiring families suffering from cystic fibrosis. For the second year now, I am participating in our Great Strides walk-a-thon to help raise money to fund the research so vital to these families affected by CF. I am walking on May 17th in Danbury, CT as a member of Team CF Busters, and I have a goal of raising $1,000.
For those of you who aren’t familiar with cystic fibrosis, CF is a fatal, genetic disease affecting over 30,000 Americans. It is the highest genetic killer of children in the U.S. The faulty CF gene causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus that affects mainly the respiratory and digestive systems, but also causes damage to the kidneys and liver. CF is what we call an “orphan disease”, meaning that CF research does not receive any federal funding. All of the money needed to fund this research is raised by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through our events, such as Great Strides. In 1955, when the foundation was first started, the average life expectancy for a CF patient was only 4 years old. Today, because of the money raised by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the average life expectancy has risen to 37.4 years. It is because of the generous support of our donors and volunteers that we have been able to develop life-changing research for our CF patients.
For the first time in Foundation history, we are having to cut back on our research. This comes at an imperative time for the Foundation, as researchers have been able to identify the CF gene, isolate it, and reverse the symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Now, more than ever, we need to put all of our effort and energy into this research, in hopes that we can make CF stand for Cure Found.
Before I started working for the CF Foundation, I didn’t know anything about cystic fibrosis. I have been inspired by so many people since my journey with the CF Foundation began, from a 12 year-old CF patient climbing Mt. Washington, to a CF patient able to blow out the birthday candles on her 25th birthday after receiving a double lung transplant, and those patients who have left a legacy of hope and inspiration after succumbing to CF. I have met so many wonderful families, many who remind me of my own, who are anxiously awaiting the day when their son or daughter, niece, nephew, cousin, or friend is free from this disease. I am committed and passionate about helping them realize this dream.
It is because of these wonderful families, inspiring patients, and dedicated volunteers that I am determined to do my part in the fight against CF. It is because I am thankful for my own health and the health of my loved ones that I am committed to help those families less fortunate than my own. Please join me in this fight, and one day, when we find a cure for cystic fibrosis, as I truly believe that we will, we can all say that we were a part of that cure.
This is where I need your help. I understand that times are tough right now, so I am not asking for much. If you are able to donate at all towards my $1,000 goal, any amount is greatly appreciated. If you are not able to donate personally, please consider asking someone who may be able to on my behalf. Consider your neighbors, friends, family, co-workers, employers and employees. Remember, you are not asking for yourself, you are asking for all the children and adults living and dying with cystic fibrosis every day.
Approximately 90 cents of every dollar goes directly towards CF research, so feel comfortable and confident that your money will be used efficiently. In fact, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been rated as one of the top 5 efficient and innovative charity organizations for the past 12 years.
In the words of 12 year-old Courtney, a CF patient, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart and lungs!”
Lots of Love,
Stacy Giacchi
To donate, please visit www.cff.org. On the left hand side of the screen, please choose GREAT STRIDES. Select "find a walker" and enter my name. You can then select "Make a Donation"