Our local Great Strides walk is this weekend, and it will mark the first time since Andrew was diagnosed that we have not participated. This is due to Andrew's baseball schedule - his team plays their final game against a rival school Saturday morning and we learned from last year's walk that having him there for 20 minutes just wasn't what we want.
That said, we will be working on a different fund-raiser this year, we're trying to figure out exactly what that will be, but it will be something fun. Stay tuned for more info!
So where’s our Great Strides info??
CF Surf Experience Day in Laguna Beach
The Mauli Ola Foundation hosted a CF Surf Experience day on July 31 in Laguna Beach. Andrew went and spent the morning working on getting up on the board. He's getting the hang of it now and really enjoys it.
Surfing (and other ocean water activities) has been found to be beneficial to CF patients because the sea spray helps line the lungs to loosen up mucus. Because of this research in the last few years hypertonic saline therapy is available so patients can get a "surf session" at home via a nebulizer.
Here's a short video of Andrew's highlights from the day:
The Mauli Ola Foundation's purpose is to give CF Patients free surf experiences/lessons, many times with pro surfers, to encourage the patients to take up surfing on their own. And when there are enough volunteers, the siblings of CF patients get a turn, too. Thanks guys!
New drug released to help CF patients
From the "This is what your donation does" department:
In February, the US FDA approved the drug Cayston as a treatment for cystic fibrosis. This drug was made possible by investment by the CF Foundation and its Therapeutics Development Program. Cayston is the first drug to advance from beginning to end through the program. The Therapeutics Development Program is designed to speed development of therapies for CF - therapies that may not have been otherwise worked on due to the relatively small patient population of CF.
For more information on CFF's role in the development and approval, please read the press release at the CFF website.
What is Cystic Fibrosis
Found this animation on the CF Foundations YouTube page. It's very good, please watch it to understand the disease a little better.
2009 Great Strides Results
Another great year for Andrew's Angels. We hit the $10,000 in money raised for this year's walk. Thanks to all who participated and walked with us, and especially to all our donors!
See you next year!
