Adult and Kids sizes are available. Get one for the entire family!
My wife, Lauren (Hartman) Arkens, has Cystic Fibrosis (which you can find
out more about here – www.cff.org/What-is-CF/About-Cystic-Fibrosis/).
She was diagnosed at birth and has managed the disease her entire life. Over
the last 5 to 10 years she has really battled to stay healthy. Since having our
daughter Lily, whom she’d call her greatest achievement, Lauren’s body changed
quite a bit causing her CF to take a very large toll on her physically. Common
issues have been significant weight loss, lower Lung Function, chronic fatigue,
depression and anxiety. Which leads to medical intervention through IV
Antibiotics, Hospital visits and an occasional hospitalization. This might
sound alarming but – as a family unit – we’ve become accustomed to it. Trips to
visit doctors in Milwaukee are common, long stays at Froedtert are common.
Fast forward to the last year or so, Lauren’s Pulmonary or Lung Function has
consistently hovered around 30% (a nrmal, non-smoker, may have a Pulmonary
Function of 95% or greater). Due to Lauren’s current health the future will
have very unique challenges. Lauren made the decision in early June to go
through the process of evaluation to be listed for a Lung Transplant.
Transplant is relatively common in CF patients who are healthy enough to go
through the procedure. As a family we’ve never focused on that typof
intervention. We’ve always focused on managing the disease trying not to let
the enormity of the future hold us up from what’s important right now. With
Transplant comes a litany of risks as well as anxiety and stress for the
future.
After 5 months of evaluations, tests, waiting, appointments and a lot of
work she is now active on Froedtert’s Lung Transplant list. To reiterate my
last sentence above, having an “Active” statuon a Lng Transplant list is an
interesting place to be… But when we look at it from the standpoint of progress
in regard to Lauren’s quality of life it gives us tremendous hope for all the
positive things Transplant brings.
So, why the Booster? Why the T-Shirts? For the last year we’ve created a
small community and consistently referred to YOU as #TeamArkens. Through
Booster, we’re creating a two-fold opportunity… First, for you to “Officially”
join #TeamArkens and show your support every day you choose to wear your shirt.
Second, is an opportunity to support our run toward Transplant financially.
There are a lot of costs associated with this process everything from
Medications, Travel, and on and on and on…
We hope you’ll decide to purchase “The Original”
Lung N Roses #TeamArkens T-shirt for your entire family and when you do, be
sure to share your new T with us on social media via Facebook, Twitter and
Instagram with #TeamArkens in your status.
Supporters