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.