Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Help Fight CF - 30 Under 30 Fundraiser


I was recently honored to be selected to Nashville’s Top 30 Under 30 and with that distinction I pledged to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis. So I am asking all my friends and family for help.

HOW – How can YOU support Cystic Fibrosis and make a difference in many lives? First, go to my fundraising page below and donate, every bit helps. Next, forward the link to your friends and family. It’s that easy.

WHY - Why Cystic Fibrosis? For me it’s obvious. But for those who don’t know, Cystic Fibrosis is one of the most common genetic diseases in the U.S. with 1 in 25 people being symptom less carriers of the CF gene.  Additionally, 90 cents of every dollar goes directly to CF research making this funding first class in efficency. And I have witnessed first hand the life changing discoveries made over the past 30 years making CF donations one of the most productive and successful.

WHERE - Where will the money go? Donations go directly to research to help improve and extend the lives of those with CF while striving for a cure. What has been done with previous money donated and what are we planning going forward? Research money for CF has lead to advancements moving the median age of CFers from 5 in the 1950’s to 13 in the 1980’s to 37 today. This was made possible by advancements from improved pancreatic enzymes to enhanced respiratory therapies. Upon identifying the CF gene marker as part of the human genome project in 1989 we’ve seen an explosion in new medications and advancements. As for moving forward, we were recently introduced to Kalydeco, Forbes Top Drug Discovery of 2012, a medication developed with the intent to directly go after the defect in the CF gene. This is the first medication for any disease functionally addressing the faulty gene causing the disease. While Kalydeco is conditioned to help a portion of CF gene abnormalities right now, the goal is to continue to endeavor forward to address all CF genes. These life changing advancements have been made possible through donations. Can you imagine what we’re going to be able to do next????

Thanks in advance for all of your help.





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