Dear Friends and Family,
Many of you know the struggles I've been through over the past 8 years. Four cancers, after effects of two years of chemo (joint and tendon injuries coming back, neuropathy, chemo brain, weakness and low energy, now Barrett's esophagus), the discovery that I have Cystic Fibrosis. More late diagnoses of CF are happening every day and once you know, life experiences take on a new understanding. Upper respiratory infections that last almost a year, skin sensitivities and rashes, coughing, constant congestion -- it all makes sense. CF affects every single cell in your body. And my case is only mild (well, except for all the cancer. CF weakens the body's ability to suppress tumors and my particular mutation targets the pancreas). I think of the children who are disabled from an early age with poor breathing and those who end up with lung transplants. CF is a life-altering genetic disease, even if you don't know it, which means quality of life is diminished.

I was a triathlete in my 40s and used the workouts to clear my lungs, not even knowing the reason why my lungs needed that. Nor did I know why I bonked so easily compared to everyone else. But the exercise made me strong enough to compete in two sprint triathlons. At that point, through training (run, cycle, swim), I was stronger than many. This is what I hope to happen for all the people with CF, and the BREATHESTRONG CF Exercise Grant is the way forward.

People with CF need a lot of extra vitamins and supplements, medical care, and nutrition. Needless to say, this can put quite a strain on someone's budget, especially with a reduced ability to work and inflation over 4%. This exercise grant pays for gym memberships, team uniforms, ski passes, golf lessons, personal training, etc., up to $650 a year. These are the tools we need for getting into shape and using our lungs. In my case, I needed help getting back on my horse. I was weak and somewhat disoriented. Five years after chemo, I felt the fog lifting and I got on for two lessons after 2-½ years off my horse. (I hadn't really ridden her for 5 years.) I learned I could do it again but I had no money to continue. Six months later, BreatheStrong CF came to my rescue. It was the miracle that I hardly imagined could happen! I have now had six lessons and my confidence is returning. My horse and I are getting stronger together. It is truly exciting! Our skills are still there, ready to be further refined. I ride dressage; my dream has been to participate in a clinic or schooling show. I don't know if that will happen but these lessons are a required first step.

I urge you to support BreatheStrong CF. You will be helping those who truly need the extra help to follow their dreams, including me. For every $500 I raise, half of it will come back to me for my lessons, which are $80 for 45 minutes. There is no other foundation that offers this type of support.

Thank you for any help you might be able to give. I am deeply grateful! Myself and others are truly blessed because of Breathe Strong CF.

Blessings to you!
Lorie

About BreatheStrong CF: 

BreatheStrong CF is a nonprofit organization with a mission to advance the physical and mental wellness of people with cystic fibrosis through education, direct support, and empowering opportunities.

Among our initiatives, we provide direct support to people living with CF across the US through exercise grants that are designed to help them build and maintain a lifelong habit of physical activity. We provide funding for a wide range of fitness-related expenses, empowering recipients to move in ways that strengthen both body and lungs.

For CF families in Georgia experiencing financial hardship, our Critical Needs grant may be able to help ease the burden of groceries and fuel costs.

For more information on BreatheStrong CF, visit our website www.breathestrongcf.org.