Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - 65 LaRosa

Anybody reading this whom directly knows me most likely knows that I've always been extremely vocal about my experiences with CF. Truth be told, there's a pretty simple reason for that: CF is a part of my physical self, but it's much more that. CF is a part of my character; a part of my soul. Without CF, there is no doubt in my mind many of my redeeming characteristics would have been formed at a later age, if ever at all. Conversely, my life would definitely have been "easier" without the disease. But, really, I don't believe there's an easy path in life. Life is not supposed to be easy, and as we get older, it definitely gets harder. Stress begins to manifest itself not in whom we're concerned with caring about us, but rather money, family relationships, and our health. But this is exactly why I believe CF has forced me to grow up at a younger age; I've always been concerned about mine and my sister's health. When you speak to someone with CF, there's a trend in what we'll say about it: "CF is definitely acursebut it's also ablessing." When you meet "us," there's a quality that is relatively prevalent: resilience. But, here's the truth, resilience is not really a choice. There is no way someone with CF can give up. It's neverreallyan option. There's too much at stake. Not for ourselves, no not at all; it's for the people we love. CF is a disease that affects everyone who knows a person with CF, even if it's someone who knows someone who knows someone with CF. I cannot even begin to explain how many people whose names I had never heard of poured so much love into my family's hearts when Alyssa was battling for her lungs. Like I mentioned, CF forces kids to grow up at a much younger age than their parents would ever like. Myself, when I first learned of the life expectancy (around 12, 13), I was absolutely crushed. I could not believe that something like that would ever be a part of my life. The thought of a "life expectancy" was so bizarre and befuddling and heartbreaking. Like any kid, the whole "why me?" was the first sentiment I felt. Nearly a decade later, the "why me?" mindset just does not work. Thinking like that forces a mindset of failure. From that point on, if that mindset doesn't change, everything that is a part of growing up with CF never becomes easier. For quite a few years, that was my thought process. For years, I always assumed that people were nicer to me because of my "condition." To this day, I wonder if when I accomplish things, I am praised because of the accomplishment, or rather, becauseI accomplished that and did it while dealing with CF.
In the end, the lessons I've learned, friendships I've developed, and life I've lived could not be the same had I not had CF during this lifetime. The point of me writing this was to let everyone who is interested in being a part of my walk team or donating to my team the mind behind the face. I willalwaysbe vocal about my condition; that will never change. I believe the most important part of fundraising is having people with CF let others into their minds for a time so people can see how affected by the condition we really are. To let everyone know: I am a part of a committee for this Great Strides walk. Last year, the Lexington walk raised around $40,000. This year, I want that number to be higher. I want to raise a large sum for our team, but more importantly, I want everyone who knows me to take a second to consider how important this is to myself, my sister, and all others dealing with CF. CF only affects 30,000 people in the US; or roughly, 0.01% of the US. For every 10,000 people you meet,onewill have CF. On the other hand, there are 10 million carriers in the US; or approximately one in 30 people you meet will be carriers of the disease. By this reasoning, the likelihood of having a child with CF, knowing someone else with CF, or knowing someone who has a child with CF is quite likely. For this reason, I ask: please, please take a second to consider donating to this cause. It means the world to all individuals battling this condition. To some, it's easy to read this and forget about it; but for people who have CF and their families, this cause will not go away without donations. I understand not everybody has expendable money lying around, but, and I sincerely mean this,every dollar matters. Anonymous donations can be made, but I promise, this cause is a meaningful one. This community will be eternally grateful for every cent people spend on it. One day, this blog post will not be necessary, but that day is not here yet...but it very well may be in sight. "Dum spiro spero..." - "While I breathe, I hope..."