Dear Friends,
Cystic Fibrosis is nothing to laugh at. The struggles of those who are born with CF are incomprehensible. Our son Liam is the 'poster child' for how complicated this disease can be. In Liam's case, his journey has been nothing less than miraculous. Liam received a liver transplant in 2007; He is an insulin dependant diabetic; He must incur 6 hours of respiratory therapies per day; He requires gastric feeding from a tube placed in his abdomen to combat malnutrition. Currently Liam's health regime requires him to take 56 pills a day and his many infections can only be subdued with IV antibiotics. Liam attends multiple appointments each week to meet with the countless sub-specialties that together, form his medical care team. Liam has undergone countless surgeries, and has spent close to 2 years of his life in the hospital.

Yet, when Liam was born 17 years ago, we were told with great confidence that he would not live to celebrate his 8th birthday. We were told that he would most likely need a lung transplant at some point before that, and we were also given the news that Liam would not live to see Cystic Fibrosis CURED! Hindsight can be a powerful tool in fueling ones passion & purpose in life. Although at 48% lung capacity, Liam still has the lungs he was born with and against all odds, they are becoming stronger; the feeding tube will be removed most likely before our June 6th event due to the fact that Liam is thriving nutritionally; and most importantly, the drug pipeline is filled with medications to treat the devastating effects of CF as well as FIX the underlying cellular problem. Overcoming obstacles, surpassing expectations, watching with anticipation as the cure is being discovered . . .  Oh yes, we ARE smiling! Just thinking about the cure makes us "giddy".

As we come to you this year, once again requesting your support, we do so with humility, recognizing that the economic struggles have been and continue to be a challenge for us all. That being said, imagine what could be accomplished if each of us could give just a little. The impact we make today could very well become the "cure" tomorrow. We invite you to join us again this year knowing that BECAUSE times are tough, we all need a reason to smile.

Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration.

Fondly,
Nancy Hearne
Executive Director (Liam's Mom)