July 21, 2012

Central Park
New York, NY

In its second year of existence, the Boomer's Run to Breathe 10K saw over 5,000 runners come out in support of the Boomer Esiason's fight against cystic fibrosis.

Among them, Jerry Cahill - a 56 year-old living, breathing and succeeding role model to the cystic fibrosis community. Barely three months after receiving a double-lung transplant, Jerry took to the pavement in Central Park and completed a challenging 10K.

Today, Jerry continues to inspire the CF community through his involvement in high school coaching,Team Boomer (www.esiason.org/teamboomer) and his newest initiative, You Cannot Fail (www.youcannotfail.com).

Follow Jerry through the CF Podcasts (www.jerrycahill.com), CF WindSprints (www.cfwindsprints.com), and via Twitter (@bigair).

“A Day in the Life of a CF Mom/Caregiver: Catherine Hopkins”

Catherine Hopkins is facing the challenge of balancing a full-time job as a vet technician while making it possible for her 3 year old son, Philip to LIVE BREATHE SUCCEED with CF. Catherine and her husband, David, knew the diagnosis was a possibility just 8 weeks into the pregnancy and dove into research immediately. Since then, they have relied on their faith, friends, and family for support throughout their journey.  

• When Philip was diagnosed at 3 weeks old, they jumped into educating themselves about CF and therapies. Research and education are two of the most important things as a caregiver facing the challenges of CF.
• “We have been lucky,” Catherine states. In three years Philip has never been hospitalized or had any major scares. 
• At just 3 years old, Philip is brave in handling his therapies. “He’s my hero,” states Catherine. She is glad he was diagnosed young because it is all he knows. 
• Catherine is a CF mom, but she is also a normal mom who wants the same things all other moms want for their children. 
• Catherine and her family don’t think twice about the everyday responsibilities of a CF caregiver. “It’s just a part of our life,” states Catherine. 

This “LIVING. BREATHING. SUCCEEDING.” Podcast/Vodcast is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant from Genentech to the Boomer Esiason Foundation.