I sometimes have to stop myself and refocus. What's really important? Helping others is something that has been instilled in me since I was a child, being raised in family where putting others first is a way of life. This is my third year of doing mini-sessions to help raise awareness and funding for Cystic Fibrosis. ~Brian Farnum of B. Farnum Photography 

Please read the quest blog post below, written by: Sarah Vooris.

Guest Blog Post: 

Last Tuesday morning found me waking at 5:30 AM, long before my girls, to get out on the

trails. Usually these outings happen later in the day, with kids in tow, as we venture together

hiking around our area. They also take a lot longer. So less than two hours after hitting the trail I

happily finished my planned trail run. I sat and soaked in the sun and felt the breeze. Content and

focused for the day ahead, part of my goal for the early morning workout. The other reason? My

girls.

Regan and Maren have cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs and

digestive systems of approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. At eight and

six, they rock climb, mountain bike, trail run, summit mountains, and much more. On a recent

trip, Regan (8) summited her first ever 8,000 ft peak. Not far behind, Maren (6) hiked it, too.

Later, they decided to run for most of the descent. All despite cystic fibrosis, the disease that

gradually decreases lung function. Each time we set out on new outdoor adventures and exercise

together in other ways, we do so because of cystic fibrosis and in spite of it. Cystic fibrosis lays

before us a challenge that never goes away, but we can face that challenge with strength and

effort to overcome that never stops.

Cystic fibrosis is progressive in nature with complications arising as individuals get older. While

physical activity is vital to every person’s health, it is extremely important to the wellness of

individuals with CF. But, it’s not always easy. We value exercise as one part of Regan and

Maren’s care. We know it has kept them stronger, longer. However, other elements include an

average of two hours of nebulizers and physiotherapy for the lungs, synthetic enzymes to help

them digest food, and other medicines every day to help the girls stay as healthy as possible. As

the average life expectancy has increased, people with CF today are likely to live beyond the

statistical 38 years, but there is still no cure.

The cystic fibrosis community continues to make progress in research and drug development,

treatments, disease knowledge, and recommended life choices (like those related to exercise and

diet). This progress empowers people with CF to move beyond perceived limitations. But, as a

rare disease, organizations leading these advances and supporting those impacted by CF get limited or absolutely no government funding. Knowing this reliance on donations, our family has been actively fundraising for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for nearly nine years (www.cff.org).

This year we will also fundraise for the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation (www.cflf.org). The

CF Foundation continues to support research and drug development and the CF Lifestyle

Foundation offers grants for people with CF to pursue exercise activities so essential to their

health. Neither can fulfill their missions without vital funding and a dedicated community

supporting them.

On, Sunday, October 15th, we will once again work in conjunction with Brian Farnum of B. Farnum

Photography and Donna Wilkins Photography to hold a photography mini-session fundraiser in

Rutland, VT. 20 minute sessions will be booked between 10 AM and 5:20 PM. At $75 per

session, Brian and Donna are offering an amazing deal from extremely talented photographers.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Cystic

Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation. We are incredibly thankful to Brian and Donna for coming along

side us. They have chosen to be part of the CF community and help all with CF live stronger,

healthier, and longer lives. Together, we all can make a difference in the lives of those with CF,

including the lives of Regan and Maren. Thank you in advance for your support. We hope you

can schedule a photo session on October 15th or make a direct donation to the CFF or CFLF.

For more information please contact me at [email protected] with any questions.