We Are Helping Find A Cure for CF – You In?

May is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month, and a time for volunteers and people living with CF to come together and shine a spotlight on what CF is, as well as the progress being made toward a cure.

What Is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is an inherited disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to form in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. In the lungs, this mucus blocks the airways, causing lung damage and making it hard to breathe. In the pancreas, it clogs the pathways leading to the digestive system, interfering with proper digestion.

People with CF have a shorter-than-normal life expectancy. The good news is that as treatments for CF improve, the life expectancy for people with the disease is rising. Fifty years ago, children with CF often died before attending elementary school. Today many people with the disease live into their 30s, 40s and beyond. Getting early treatment for CF can improve your quality of life and your lifespan.

Source: http://www.lungusa.org/

CF is close to Get Fit NH Bootcamp.

Jessica, who trains with us in Epsom lives closest to CF, since her husband Mike was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. Lori, who also trains in Epsom, has a nephew with CF. And a close friend of the family to Gretchen has CF. Each of these ladies have organized separate fundraisers to help find a cure for CF.

“GreatStrides, Taking Steps to Cure Cystic Fibrosis” is a 5K Run/Walk on May 21. Jessica has started a team called “Hike for Mike”. Last year Jessica’s team reached their goal of raising $10,000 – Wow! If you‘d like to participate in this years 5K please take time now to register for their team: http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/JessicaHolmes5621
Even if you are unable to participate in the race, you can donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through the team.  After the race join Jessica and the “Hike for Mike” team for a cookout. Just let Jessica know you’ll be joining them for food so she has plenty.

Lori has planned a “Back to the 80’s” party (right up my alley). Dress up is optional but strongly encouraged. The “80’s Bash” will be held on May 14th from 7:00pm – 11:30pm at the Epsom Elks Club. This is a night where you can travel back in time to 80’s music provided by our “Most Excellent” DJ. There will be raffles and good food and a CASH BAR! There will be a donation box at the door and all proceeds will go towards our team (Bobby’s Brigade) for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I hope you will join us for a great cause and it will be a blast from your past.

Gretchen is putting together a walk for “Team Trevor” on the Seacoast on May 22. You can join her as she walks or donate to her team cause by going to: http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=7029&idUser=238802

Take some time this month to help get the word out and encourage people in your community to become involved, too!

Consider these statistics:

Approximately 30,000 children and adults have CF in the United States.
More than 10 million Americans are symptomless carriers of the defective CF gene.
The disease occurs in one of every 3,500 live births of all Americans and about 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.

Get Fit NH Bootcamp wants to help these ladies out, so we are putting our money where our mouth is in the following two ways:

Get Involved #1: Drink It Up!

While Dean and I will not be able to walk this year because our son planned his wedding the same day (good going Jeff!), we want to help.  For every Myoplex Recovery Drink or Fiji water you purchase from Get Fit NH Bootcamp during the month of May we will donate $1 to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Stay hydrated, recover quicker, and feel good about helping a great cause!

Get Involved #2: Facebook Check In for Charity

Super easy and it won’t cost you a penny! Both the Concord and Epsom Get Fit NH Bootcamp locations have their very own Facebook “Check In” page. When you arrive at training, just “Check In” using your smartphone and claim your deal. Our goal is for each location to raise $250 – It only takes a second, so Make It Happen. (This should be active by Monday May 9th)

Thanks for all you do. It is a privilege to coach you!

Coach Nancy