As I reflect upon our past year of work at the CF Care Fund, I am most moved by the dramatic and deepening need for assistance we have seen among our patients. During challenging economic times, they have become far needier than they once were, and there are more patients than ever before who require support. Our role has been, and remains, to lighten the load for those with cystic fibrosis and, in doing so, we have grown more conscious of what we have been called to become and do.

Perhaps this letter from one of our CF families explains it best:

“As an organization that supports families living with CF, I am sure you have heard many a story of the financial and emotional strain of having a child with a chronic illness. Our situation is no different. Our daughter is a beautiful 15-year-old girl, full of life, energy and attitude! (She is a teenager after all!) She has a 4.2 grade point average and dances with a studio 25+ hours a week; she also has CF. No matter how well she cares for herself and how hard she works, she still gets sick, and we still need to go in the hospital.

This past October, my husband, along with so many in the financial services area, was laid off after 15 years with the same company. Then this January my contract with a non-profit organization was not renewed due to lack of funding. I am legally blind and losing my vision, so for now I have some disability and my husband is temping. Fortunately, we also have COBRA for the time being.

Our 18-year-old son (without CF) is due to go off to college in September. We believe our family has good times ahead. We are optimistic in the midst of a very scary and frustrating time. We now have a bit more optimism and a lighter burden thanks to the CF Care Fund! We cannot express to you enough how much your generosity and quick support of our family at this time means to us! It helps us to believe that we are not alone and that good things are coming our way!

If there is any doubt that the time, energy and fundraising you must do is worth it…rest assured, it is. You have touched our family deeply!

With a happy heart, deep appreciation, and the inspiration that we do live in a community that cares for one another, we thank you.

So, this is why we are here; it is why the CF Care Fund matters. And the mother who wrote this letter touched upon much that is unique about us. We help all patients in need, even if they are not in the lowest income bracket. We provide support quickly, usually within 24 hours. Perhaps most importantly, as we pay for medicines, medical care and wellness expenses, on a deeper level we offer hope and inspire courage during difficult times.

There are now, within the six CF centers we serve, more patients in need than we can afford to help. Many more. And so, for the first time, we are reaching out to you directly, as one among our circle of friends, for financial support. If you have already helped us with a contribution, you have our deepest gratitude for partnering with us to improve the health and lives of people with cystic fibrosis. If you are considering your first contribution, rest assured that any amount you can offer will matter. Even small contributions can change lives and every gift is appreciated.

There are many organizations and many, many needs; we are boldly asking you to care about ours. If your goal is to make an immediate impact with even a small amount of money—one that affects people in your own community—a contribution to the CF Care Fund will do that. Generating interest in our work is another important contribution, so please let us know if there is someone we should add to our mailing list.

We are all a part of a much larger whole; wherever and whomever you choose to help, you advance the greater good. Thank you for taking the time to consider a gift to the CF Care Fund.
Most sincerely,

Ellen Arian
Co-founder and President