Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis

with my nephew, Joseph
Christmas 2011

On October 19, I will be participating in the Great Strides walk at the State Botanical Garden in Athens. Great Strides is a national fundraiser for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). Events are held around the country in various cities throughout the year. This walk at the State Botanical Garden is sponsored by the Northeast Georgia Chapter of the CFF.

Cystic Fibrosis is a devastating genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the United States. My nephew, Joseph “Joe” Morris has CF. He was diagnosed as a toddler at about age three. So you can understand why raising money for CF research is very important to me. I am asking all my friends to consider making a donation. I’ve wanted to raise funds for CF for many years now, and I’m finally at a place in my life where I can make this a priority. I have set a conservative goal of $1000 $1500 (revised on 9/7 since I've met the first goal). I hope that you will help me blow the lid off this goal! Click here to donate, but first read on to learn more about CFF and my awesome nephew!

CFF is the primary non-profit involved in research and support for those with CF. Several effective medicines and treatments have come directly from CFF projects, and many more innovations are on the way. Donating to the CFF will benefit many thousands of patients. And the CFF is a very efficient organization utilizing more than 80% of its funds for research and direct patient support.

Joseph is a senior at UGA, majoring in Sociology. He will graduate this next May–on schedule. I don’t have children, and I haven’t put any kids through college, but apparently it’s unusual to finish within four years these days. And this is despite the challenges of living with CF and spending more than one of his breaks in the hospital for treatment. I’m proud of him, and I can boast because I’m the aunt. It can be unseemly when parent’s boast too much about their kids, don’t you think? But I feel certain the aunt has a free pass to brag all she wants. ;-)

After graduation, Joseph’s plans include a masters in Public Health; he is especially interested in epidemiology. He hasn’t settled on a school yet for his graduate work, and I’ve heard from his mom that he may take a year off to work before starting graduate school.

In addition to his studies, Joseph drives one of those big ol’ buses for UGA Transit, hauling students around. I get nervous driving my little truck around the tight campus streets, so I can’t imagine handling one of those huge red & black buses. I have threatened to show up at one of his stops this fall to board his bus and make a scene. :-)

Besides studying and working, Joseph plays Ultimate Frisbee for UGA, sporting #20 for the ChillyDawgs. If you know anything about CF, you know that respiratory issues are a big challenge for patients. Joseph has worked hard to maintain good respiratory health. Back in high school he ran track, despite his illness, which sometimes affected his ability to compete. I admire his commitment to sport and fitness which helps keep him healthier and happier.

I will proudly walk with Joseph in the Great Strides walk on October 19. Joseph is the captain of our team, Team Geronimo. The team’s goal is $5000, and I have committed to raising $1000 of that; I hope to exceed this goal with the help of my many friends. 9/7 update: I've met the first goal of $1000 so now I'm trying to get to $1500. Please show your support for Joseph and Cystic Fibrosis by making a donation here. Your support is greatly appreciated!

If anyone is interested in walking with us, we would love to have you join us for this easy walk on a beautiful fall morning in Athens. Just let me know.

That's me and Joseph on his birthday, April 9, 1992.


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