Courtney Ward Runs NYC Marathon for Team Boomer in 4 Hours 56 Minutes

Laps for CF Foundation
...on the road to a cure...

The Laps for CF Foundation is an organization based out of Birmingham, Alabama that fights Cystic Fibrosis everyday.  Together with CF supporters across the United States, the laps for CF Foundation raises money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.

• The money the Foundation raises is awarded to 3 main organizations: The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, CF Hope for Alabama, and CF Care Clinics.
• Emily Schreiber was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in the winter of 2003. After diagnosis and reading a  book called Karen's Ride - where a young girl, Karen, raised money for her local hospital... Emily decided  to do the same for Cystic Fibrosis.
• The first year Emily swam at Wald Park in Vestavia, Alabama and raised over $60,000.
• In 2005 Emily swam with the Auburn University swim team and raised over$220,000.
• Emily plans on teaming up with the Boomer Esiason Foundation to combat cystic fibrosis by launching Swim-a-Thons with 15+ Universities across the nation.
• For more information: www.lapsforcf.org
• E-Mail Emily at: emily@lapsforcf.org

Title: With Every Breath – stories about people living with cystic fibrosis.

Katherine Russell is 16 years old with cystic fibrosis, from Buffalo, NY. Katherine’s book has a wide variety of writers from young, old, parents, patients, doctors, and friends. It demonstrates how the individual with CF as well as family and friends deal with CF.

This book is very inspirational and educational for all involved in the world of cystic fibrosis.

• Katherine is an outgoing young lady that swims on 2 teams, snowboarding, and loves socializing with her friends, music (cello) and writing.

• Katherine attends high school and is a volunteer on the CF advisory panel at Children’s Hospital of Buffalo to help work towards better CF care.

• “I want to travel to South Africa and Europe somedayâ€? states Katherine.

• In Katherine’s book With Every Breath, the stories range from recounts of having a child diagnosed with CF to being a patient receiving a transplant.

• Some stories simply share advice and perspective, while others share stories of travel, success, understanding, and change.

• For more information on the book contact Katherine Russell:
  www.lifewitheverybreath.com

Title: Give the Gift of Life…

A Plea to Encourage Organ Donors - Charlie Stockley, Priority Recipient on National Organ Donor List, in Immediate Need of Lung Donor and Transplant

With most people focusing on getting through the holiday season, Charlie Stockley, 38, is fighting to get through another day waiting for a new set of lungs. Charlie is on life support and in immediate need of a lung transplant at Stanford Medical Center in Palo Alto. Charlie is up against his toughest battle with cystic fibrosis (CF). Although he is a priority lung transplant recipient on national organ donor watch lists, his condition remains tenuous as symptoms from CF complicate his recovery and threaten his life. Charlie has been on a life preserving ventilator since Tues, Dec 12, 2006, and a lung match has still not yet become available.

• Charlie has been a tough fighter of this progressive, life-threatening lung disease, and has a lot to live for.

• He met the love of his life 18 months ago, Margie Roper, and they are getting married on March 10, 2007. Charlie can’t wait to make a new home with Margie, and her two children, Michael and Amber who he loves very much.

• Charlie grew up in Livermore, CA and has resided in San Francisco for over 10 years.

• He works as an audio designer at Electronic Arts and has been a professional drummer for numerous bands, including Mojo Deluxe and Mad Dog Toor.

• Please visit www.CharlieStockley.com

• For more information and updates: info@charliestockley.com

December is the month of giving. We encourage everyone to make sure they are registered to show it’s important to them that others are given the opportunity to live a full and productive life. Charlie’s friends and family would greatly appreciate you getting the word out in anyway you can, as soon as you can.

Here are a few things to do:
1.  Take 3 minutes to sign up online to be a donor (by state). In California go to www.donatelifecalifornia.org. Other states, go to: www.donatelife.net
2.  When you sign up online, notify friends and family via email
3.  Tell your family members that you have decided to become a donor so they will understand your decision and support it.
4.  Say yes to donation on your driver’s license
5.  If tragedy should strike someone you know, please think of Charlie, and hundreds of people like him waiting for an organ, and encourage them to give the gift of life.

Passing of Charlie Stockley
From www.charliestockley.com
Charlie Stockley passed away on the night of December 24th, 2006. We fervently believe that Charlie's courageous battle with Cystic Fibrosis has inspired countless people to register as the organ donors that someday might save the lives of others in his situation. Although Charlie didn't receive the lungs he so desperately needed, we know he would be happy if only one person was helped by his struggle. Charlie's family wishes to express their most sincere gratitude for the love, prayers and support that sustained them during their difficult ordeal and demonstrated how many lives were touched by this remarkable man. Please honor Charlie's memory either by registering as an organ donor or making a contribution to any chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Thanks to all who attended Charlie's Memorial Service & Life Celebration in Livermore on Saturday, January 6th, 2007. What a sincerely beautiful & glorious gathering! Thank you for the memories & memorabilia, all the music, the laughter & tears, your warm hearts & loving arms. A true testament to the power of one. You are invited to view photos from the celebration here.

For more info:

o Call: 212-414-1223

o www.mrdennehys.com

o donal@mrdennehys.com

TEAM BOOMER – FIGHTING CYSTIC FIBROSIS
USA Track & Field Club #06-1114


Millions of people worldwide are marathon runners…
Millions of people worldwide jog, bike, swim, and exercise…
Some people jog to stay in shape…
People with cystic fibrosis jog to BREATHE!

Because I have cystic fibrosis I want to prove that I can breathe.
-Jerry Cahill/Age 50 Cystic Fibrosis Podcast

Team Boomer – Fighting Cystic Fibrosis was developed by the Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF) and is a USATF-registered competitive club. BEF is a leader in the area of academic scholarships and transplant grants and is now being proactive as the frontrunner in the area of exercise for individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). Team Boomer is designed to promote exercise and help raise funds for the Exercise for Life scholarship program for people with CF, which helps them pursue their academic dreams.

As an athlete, Boomer Esiason knows how important exercise is for improving health, especially for those with cystic fibrosis. Participating in sports and physical activity helps increase the quality of life and health, and teaches discipline. Like athletes’ dedication and daily regiments on the playing field, CF patients must be compliant to daily therapy and medication routines. Your lungs are muscles and need to be worked to keep them clear and strong – exercise should be part of EVERYONE’S daily routine. Team Boomer’s goal is to improve the quality of life and increase the lifespan of individuals with CF through the power of daily physical exercise.

By sponsoring an athlete, you are helping the Boomer Esiason Foundation and Team Boomer raise money for the Exercise for Life Scholarship.

Join Team Boomer Today

Team Boomer Donor Sheet

Team Boomer Pledge Sheet

Team Boomer Sponsor Sheet

Title: CFRI TEEN & ADULT DAY RETREAT

The CFRI Retreat is August 6th and 11th in Menlo Park, California for teens, 15-18 years and adults with cystic fibrosis, their family members and health care providers. The event is fun, educational and a safe environment to meet some great friends!


The retreat provides a safe and welcoming environment aimed at enhancing positive coping skills, social support and education for people who share common experiences with CF.

Activities include daily exercise, arts & crafts, rap sessions, and educational workshops with guest speakers.

Cost is $65  per person for entire week.

Scholarships available.

Safety is a top priority: ALL people with CF are required to comply with cross infection behavioral precautions. A medical advisor is available at all times, and volunteers are available to assist with respiratory treatments.

For more info: http://www.cfri.org/home2.html

Living Breathing Proof

Celebrating my 50th Birthday !

Remember - Compliance, Nutrition, Exercise and Determination are the keys to having  a great quality of life with cystic fibrosis

Exercise For Life CF Athletic Scholarship

Presented by the Boomer Esiason Foundation

Details Coming Soon!

Pictured on Right (Left to Right) Jerry Cahill with Lisa Yourman, Dr. Joan Germana and Boomer Esiason.

Heroes of Hope Award Photo Gallery

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This Story appeared in Heroes of Hope Blog...

Heroes of Hope – Living with CF

49-Year-Old Brooklyn, New York Resident with Cystic Fibrosis Receives National Award

The Heroes of Hope TM Living with CF Program Advisory Panel is pleased to announce Jerry Cahill as the January 2006 award recipient in recognition of his positive attitude and tenacious spirit, The Heroes of Hope program honors people with cystic fibrosis (CF) who give hope to others. Jerry was chosen from a nationwide pool of candidates for his ability to inspire others with CF through his positive attitude, commitment to proactively manage his health, determination, community outreach, and achievement.

Jerry states:
“I wanted to thank the Heroes of Hope Committee and Genentech – makers of Pulmozyme – for this honor�

“I also wanted to thank my family, friends, doctors, and the Boomer Esiason Foundation for ALL your support�

“I share this award with every person with cystic fibrosis that is living, breathing, and fighting everyday to win the battle with this disease�


For questions regarding the Heroes of Hope – Living with CF program, please call 1-866-288-1893
Or visit the web site: http://www.pulmozyme.com/hoh/hoh_landing.jsp

Jerry's Speech

HEROES OF HOPE (Living with CF)

I wanted to thank the HEROES OF HOPE Committee and Genentech – makers of Pulmozyme - for this honor…

I also wanted to thank my family & friends, doctors, and the Boomer Esiason Foundation for all your support…

In the past I have received awards for pole vaulting over 16’0� and increasing sales volume from $26M to $29M but it is a little eye-opening to get an award related to “living with a disease�… so I thought about it and looked up the definition of “HERO� in my Webster’s pocket dictionary.

Hero – one that is much admired or shows great courage.

This award needs to be shared with many…

1.) I share this with every person with cystic fibrosis that is living, breathing, and fighting for survival as it takes a lot of courage & work both physically and emotionally.

2.) My family, in particular my MOM, they are all heroes as they had to deal with a lot on a daily basis growing up…I remember being diagnosed at age 11 and the doctors telling my parents “you are lucky if your son lives to be 18 years old�, WELL… I am 49 and still here today and don’t plan on loosing the battle with CF any day soon. I owe a lot to my family because they never put me in a bubble and kept me very involved in sports – I thank you…

3.) My sister Laurie and friend Mike who help me out alot when I need extra physical therapy when I am sick and really should be in the hospital – thank you

4.) My doctors… I had and have many – one past away, one retired, and some never partnered up with me so I moved on

Dr. Schulman, who I have been with for over 7 years - he has been a great partner and deals with a lot of issues – he has his hands full with me as I am not an easy patient – I thank you, it’s a delight working with you as a doctor – I consider you a friend

5.) The Boomer Esiason Foundation for your support and giving me a “safe haven� by letting me volunteer and empowering me as I await a Lung transplant.

That leads me to the definition of HOPE...

HOPE – desire with expectation of fulfillment

In receiving this award, my hope is that PARENTS of children with CF will NOT feel guilty and NOT cover their loved one in bubble wrap but let them live life to the fullest!

And for individuals living with CF my hope is that ALL will be very compliant to there medications/therapies and get involved in VIGOROUS EXERCISE on a daily basis.

I believe, that through daily exercise, everyone with cystic fibrosis will be LIVING, BREATHING PROOF that can have a full and productive life while we wait for a cure.

THANK YOU

Holiday Photo Album

The “Pod Daddy� wants to hear your comments on the Cystic Fibrosis Podcast.



Please click on comments or email me at jcahill@esiason.org and let me know your thoughts and what you want to hear more about.



Recent comments:

I really love the podcasts! These things are exactly what kids and young adults with CF need to see and hear. I can’t tell you how often I fell alone in my fight with CF. Your site, I think, is out there to give the same support that I found in my family. This site has so much hope in it! (Ohio)


I really like your site – it’s very informative. (Louisiana)


I am impressed with the podcasts and would like to hear more about CF individuals with digestive, kidney, and liver issues.

I found the podcasts ‘fascinating� It was wonderful to listen to the inspirational stories of others LIVING with cystic fibrosis. I found it incredible how open and honest the people you interviewed were.

“WOW!�

I just received my new T-shirt that says "CF Sucks" and it does...
I have been on iv antibiotics for over 4 weeks and still have a lot of congestion... I am at the point these medications don't work - WE NEED NEW DRUGS!!!