JUST BREATHE FOR CORY

Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease the ravages the lungs and digestive system. A defective gene causes the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the airways and leads to life-threatening lung infections, obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

Approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States have Cystic Fibrosis. More than 10 million Americans are unknowing, symptomless carriers of the defective CF gene.
 

My Reason for Fundraising

 

In 2009, my son Cory passed away from Cystic Fibrosis. He was 23 years old. He didn’t get to graduate from college, get married, or have children.

He spent years taking handfuls of medication to help him breathe and to help him digest his food. He spent many hours taking up to 10 breathing treatments a day and countless hours doing airway clearance to break away the mucus from his lungs. He spent many weeks in the hospital fighting off infection and fighting for his life.

Cory loved children and loved putting everyone else before his own needs, even with his illness. Most of his life he was involved in summer camp. He was a camper, a counselor, and a staff member. Cory always inspired people to look beyond their own issues and to never give up. He inspired so many because they saw the fight in his eyes, even with his own struggles.
 

 

My Campaign

 I set out to raise $30,000 by Feb. 18th, 2016.   This was the year Cory would have been 30 years old. We didn't quite make that goal but since I made a promise to Cory that I would never stop fighting for a cure, we continue to fundraise win this fight.  We are closer than ever.  Just this year, the cystic fibrosis foundation received FDA approval for a drug called ezacaftor/ivacaftor (Symdeko™).  This drug is approved for individuals with two copies of the most common cystic fibrosis mutation, F508del, as well as for individuals who have a single copy of one of 26 specified mutations -- regardless of their other mutation.  Cory had two copies of F508del.  Right now he would celebrating a chance....a chance to change the history of the disease.  We need to celebrate for him and do so by helping the cystic fibrosis foundation make sure that no mutation is left behind and cure is found for everyone.   My Campaign is to raise $50,000 dollars for Cystic Fibrosis within the next year. I will be running a 5K, 8K,  biking 65 miles, climbing 58 flights of stairs, and hiking 21 miles. I will also be raising money as I participate in the Great Stride Walk, the Bike the Drive, and a few other running events over the year.  Lets make sure that everyone living with cystic fibrosis celebrates their 30, 40, 50 and even 100th birthday
I can't keep my promise without you!

 

To find out how to donate and learn more about the events, click here.

 

Thank You!!!

Michelle Vermeland

 

If you have any questions, please contact me directly or email them to: justbreatheforcory@gmail.com.