She’s back and bringing the 80’s

The month of May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness month.

What Is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:

• clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and
• obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

My girlfriend Christie, who has been my bestie since the 8th grade has a little boy named Trevor who has CF. I’ll never forget the day she told me and my 2 other grammar school besties (the YAYA’s) 12 years ago. Their only indication was when pressing small kisses to his face, it felt like you were kissing a salt-lick. They soon found out that their world was about to drastically change. Now, their days are filled with therapies, enzymes & other pills/meds, and being diligent to sanitize everything they come in contact with. They are truely amazing people! They are huge advocates to finding a cure, so while they are making sure Trevor goes through his daily regime, they are constantly organizing numerous fundraisers throughout the year. Check out their website for a day in the life of CF (www.teamtrevor.org)

While I wear my TeamTrevor shirts at Bootcamp, it turns out Lori from 6p has a nephew who has CF. She is also a Cystic Fibrosis Warrior, raising awareness and helping to find a cure. She is organizing an 80’s Dance at the Elks Lodge in Epsom(the Old Mill) on Saturday May 14th 7p-11:30p. Come on by, lets make this event a HUGE success, and help CURE CF!!

Of course that got the wheels turning… and I believe we at Bootcamp should have an ’80’s week’ to gear up for… S-A-T-U-R-D-A-Y Night (yes, the BayCity Rollers!). Lets have some fun, it’s a short week with class Mon/Tues/Wed … everybody cut loose, FOOTLOOSE!

Blog you later.

gretchen