Honi Kibler

• The average life expectancy of a child born with CF between 2017-2021 is now 53 years old!! (It was optimistically 15 in 1985 when Alyssa was born.)
• There are now 40,000 people in the US with CF, a 25% increase over the past decade. And for the first time, adults represent 60% of the CF population.
• There are 23,000 people ages 4 months and up taking a modulator therapy for CF. This directly affects and corrects the gene causing the CF gene to malfunction. Many patients report normal breathing for the very first time in their life.
• Because of improved health status, lung transplantation has decreased significantly and is now reserved for those with severe lung disease, and, the number of pregnancies in women with CF has continued to increase significantly starting in 2020.
• The number of lung infections and worsening of lung symptoms has decreased dramatically since 2021. That means, (to quote Alyssa) less dreaded IV antibiotics, fewer hospital admissions, and not feeling really lousy every day ... what a miracle!

January 26, 2023

Dear Friends and Supporters of Team Alyssa,

Happy 2023! I hope the new year finds each one of you happy and well. I promise this update will be short and sweet, and I will not be asking for money (although donations are always welcomed ...!)

So what does Team Alyssa need right now? I need you to plan ahead to come to walk with us in Hummelstown on Sunday, May 22, 2023, at noon. I envision a large group in green shirts just like the old days, with lots and lots of love and hugs to go around. Even if you aren't sure you can commit to being there in person, there is absolutely no obligation whatsoever to walk that day. 

We need a team to honor Alyssa, Chuck, and the great strides the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has recently announced. 

Update on Me:

I am still slowly making my own strides to recover from the broken hip of March '22. It's very slow, but steady. Seeing you all on May 22nd is my healing vision and keeps me going. If you have any questions, call me, text me, or email.

I love you all - more information will follow soon.

Honi xxoo

717-545-9660 (h), 717-608-0946 (c), honik616@yahoo.com

*****

Dear Friends and Supporters of Team Alyssa,

It is finally May, our traditional month to Stride for cystic fibrosis. Again, like last year, because of COVID restrictions the walks will be held virtually. The national date is May 15th and you can log on and participate then, or at any time you choose to dedicate your walk to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. More to follow about an upcoming Team Alyssa mini walk.

It's with great sadness and loss that I must tell you of the recent passing of my husband and Alyssa's Dad, Chuck Kibler. Many of you already know, but many may not have heard. On April 10, Chuck lost his battle with Agent Orange caused lymphoma, from exposure in Vietnam when he was 19 years old. His best Army buddy, said, "he survived the war, but he couldn't beat the Agent Orange."

Chuck's greatest wish and passion for the past 35 years was to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, Alyssa's lifelong battle. He was extremely generous personally and worked incredibly hard to raise awareness on a local, state, and national level. Nothing made him happier than seeing those numbers climb on the Team Alyssa team page, no matter how big or small the increment.

So, we will walk again, like we did last year, with our own Kibler mini-walk on Saturday, July 10 at 4:00 PM, around our block at 120 Woodridge Drive in Harrisburg. Brooke, Becca, and I chose this day to celebrate Alyssa's 36th Birthday (July 9.) Brooke will be here from South Carolina, to join the party! Alyssa so enjoyed the mini-walk last summer, from her driveway "throne" as did her Dad and I. (Even Jason Momoa showed up!) We were so proud of our friends and family for the incredible love and support we felt.

Sign up to donate (be a walker if you choose), but please don your green, Alyssa-designed CF shark shirt, and walk in memory and solidarity for both Alyssa and Chuck.

We continue to strive to make CF stand for Cure Found! If you haven't walked before, no worries! I'll have extra shirts. That sea of green shirts makes us so proud!

I love you all and appreciate all you have done to support us all these years. Contact me if you have any questions, and I will hopefully see you on July 10th.

As the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation says, "we stride until it's done."

Honi xo

*****

March 6, 2021

Dear Friends and Supporters of Team Alyssa,

As I write to you it still feels like winter, but I know Spring is coming! And that means Great Strides for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Team Alyssa. And even though Alyssa is no longer with us physically, she is definitely here in spirit urging us on to never stop until we find the cure!

There are many of you receiving this letter for the first time because you recently donated to Team Alyssa and CFF in memory of Alyssa. Welcome! We are so happy you are with us.

Great Strides will be virtual again this year. The CFF has designated May 15, 2021, at 11:00AM as a National Walk Day Virtual Event. We will definitely have a Kibler "mini walk" like last year, sometime this Spring or early Summer. We will stride around our block and proudly wear our Team Alyssa green shark shirts. More information will follow.

Kibler Update:

Unfortunately, Chuck has been ill for the past few months. The lymphoma he got from exposure to Agent Orange in Vietnam has reappeared and he is currently going through aggressive treatment. Please keep him in your thoughts and prayers. He's tough as we all know!

Even though we are virtual again, due to Covid, we still need you to register as walkers and, of course, donate to Team Alyssa! The fight for the cure never ends, until CF = Cure Found!

Last year we raised $30,000+ in honor and memory of our brave girl. Let's keep her wish alive.

In gratitude, with much love to you all,

Honi

xoxoxo

December 17, 2020

Dear Friends and Supporters of Team Alyssa,

Greetings of the season to you all! We hope you and your families are all safe and well this crazy holiday season. We all look forward to 2021. This is our final Team Alyssa update of 2020. And will be short! I promise.

Since Alyssa's passing almost two months ago, you have raised an incredible amount in her memory to bring her greatest wish to fruition -- to make CF = Cure Found. We can find no words to express our gratitude. We just learned that Alyssa is being awarded the 2020 Central PA CF Star Award for her "unwavering dedication to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Central PA Chapter." The impact she made in the Foundation has created a legacy that will be remembered for years to come. We are incredibly proud of Alyssa and she would have loved receiving this honor. Her influence has been far-reaching and we are still receiving reminders of this every single day.

From the Kibler family to yours, we send love and gratitude and the promise to continue Alyssa's fight for the cure.

Happy Holidays to you all!

Honi and the entire Kibler family
xoxo

PS- The current total for Team Alyssa stands at $29,160. In addition, donations came in for the CFF Breath of Life Gala in Alyssa's honor, bringing our grand total to $49,660 ... truly amazing!! The books on 2020 will close very soon, if you still wish to donate for 2020, please do so today. Thank you!

October 28, 2020

Dear Family and Friends of Team Alyssa,

This is the update I never wanted to write. Last Tuesday, October 20, our warrior and team namesake, Alyssa Kibler, lost her lifelong battle with cystic fibrosis. Many of you will know this, but many of our supporters will not have heard this heartbreaking news.

Just as she was fierce and independent in life, so she was in death. She did it her way 100% - in charge and in no pain. We are sad beyond belief, but we are so proud of her.

This is not a fundraising letter, although you can donate make a donation to honor Alyssa, as many of you have already done. (We never say no to finding that cure!)

We will continue Alyssa's fight. Hopefully with the pandemic far behind us, we will gather in May in Hummelstown, and walk as always in her honor and memory. Team Alyssa will live on.

Thank you dear friends, our Team Alyssa family, for your many years of love and support.

There are no words.

We love you all.

Honi and the entire Kibler family
xoxo

***

September 16, 2020

Dear Friends of Team Alyssa,

Good wishes to you all. Sorry it's been so long since my last update. With everything going on in this world I hope you are all staying safe and healthy and loving your family. There's a new Great Strides initiative from the CF Foundation that I want to tell you all about, but first an ...

Alyssa Update:
Alyssa was home for over 6 months due to sheer stubbornness and fear of Covid-19. She finally gave in and was readmitted to the hospital 2 1/2 weeks ago. She was put in the ICU this past Saturday as a precaution, but her condition worsened and she had to be placed on a ventilator on Sunday to give her lungs a rest and improve her oxygen exchange. We ask for prayers and want to thank you and your prayer chains for all the awesome efforts you are making. She is showing signs of improvement from the treatment and prayers and the doctors are encouraged. She is still vented and sedated, but comfortable and healing. Please keep praying!

Now to Great Strides-
At present our Team Alyssa total for 2020 stands at $11,063, from your generosity and efforts. There's a new challenge this weekend, Sept 18-20, from the CF Foundation, called 65 Hours for 65 Roses! It starts Friday at 7am. As your Team Leader, I've accepted the challenge to help the chapter raise $6500. The Kiblers are pledging an additional $200 to get us started. We understand many of you already donated in the Spring. We appreciate any additional gifts you can make. Click here to make your donation.

Again, thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your generosity and prayers. I will keep you updated on the progress of our feisty fighter! Please contact me if you have any questions and know that we love you all!

Happy New Year to all who observe.

xoxoxo

Honi

***

June 2, 2020

Dear Friends of Team Alyssa,

It's JUNE! I can't believe it. I'm hoping you and your families are all safe and well. I just have a few thoughts and reminders for this week:
We have currently raised $6,622 towards our team goal of $20,000 and have registered around 20 walkers.
Friday, 6/5 is the national virtual celebration of the CFF and Great Strides. RSVP to watch online here.
Also on Friday, 6/5 at 6:00 PM, join us for a mini-walk around the Kibler's block, at 120 Woodridge Drive in Harrisburg. All are welcome. Don your green Team Alyssa shirt ... and your mask ... and we will walk 6 feet apart to support the cause.
Alyssa, who is still at home, will be sitting in our driveway to receive all our love and support. She is very excited about this event. If you can't walk with us, walk around your own neighborhood and send us pictures!

There's no deadline on donations! Team Alyssa 2020 is open until December 31st ... Click here to donate!

Thank you, thank you to everyone who has generously donated already. Our cause continues despite Covid-19, social unrest, and the recent changes in all of our lives.

We love you all! I'll keep you posted on our progress and our girl throughout the summer.

Be safe.

Honi
xoxo
717-608-0946

PS- If you don't have a green shirt, I have some extras.

***

February 22, 2020

Dear Friends and Family of Team Alyssa,

Hi Everybody! I hope your holidays were glorious! I apologize for being so absent since my Thanksgiving letter. In mid-December, I had yet another fall, broke my pelvis and tailbone, and spent almost a month in the hospital and rehab. I have been home healing for the past 6 weeks. Alyssa was in the hospital for 10 weeks and has had a really rough go. She is home now, we are all thrilled to have her back where she belongs and looking forward to spring.

Spring, as you all know, brings the Hummelstown Great Strides and the walk for Team Alyssa and CF. The date this year is Sunday, May 17, registration begins at noon, and the walk will start at 1:00 PM, at Schaffner Park in Hummelstown. Last year, we had 50+ walkers and raised almost $20,000! Huge goals to match and exceed in 2020! But, this team is awesome, and I know we can do it!

Join us by registering as a team member to walk and donate to Team Alyssa. Last year, brought the miracle drug, Trikafta, to benefit 90% of people with cystic fibrosis. There are many more miracles in the research pipeline, so our fundraising is more important than ever.

Thank you all, as always, you are THE BEST!

Love to all,
Honi xxxooo

***

Thanksgiving 2019

Dear Family and Friends of Team Alyssa,

It is the season of gratitude and thanksgiving. Rarely in my life have I felt as grateful as I do today, as I write to you. While we cannot use the word cure - yet - we can definitely use the word MIRACLE! The FDA has recently approved a miracle drug, named, Trikafta, which will benefit 90% of patients with cystic fibrosis. Each of you is responsible for this miracle. Because of this new drug, younger patients and those born with cystic fibrosis today will not suffer ill effects from this horrific disease and should live their lives symptom-free. Patients who have been in the trials have shown remarkable improvement in lung function, weight gain, and overall quality of life. Even patients with severe disease, like Alyssa, have shown positive results from this drug. Alyssa is not taking Trikafta yet, but we are eagerly waiting for her to start. So, thank you all for being part of this miracle!

Our Great Strides team in 2019 had the BEST YEAR EVER!! We raised just under $20,000, because of your participation and generosity. Nationally, Great Strides has raised $36.4 million so far this year for cystic fibrosis research and patient care. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has pledged to find a treatment for the remaining 10% of patients who cannot benefit from Trikafta. They will NEVER STOP and NEITHER CAN WE until CF is a thing of the past!!

So this Thanksgiving, as we sit around our bountiful tables with our loved ones, please know that our prayers have been answered this past year. We still have more work to do, but a miracle is a miracle, and we are truly blessed! Our page is up and running for Team Alyssa for the 2020 Great Strides. Please feel free to register to walk, donate, or volunteer. We need you all, we love you, and we thank you.

I will be sending you more information soon.

Have a joyous Thanksgiving!

Honi xxoo

***** 

Dear Friends and Family,

WE DID IT!! Almost a month has passed since our Hummelstown Great Strides walk for cystic fibrosis and Team Alyssa. We had a beautiful day, about 60 walkers on Team Alyssa alone, and raised more than ever before. At this time, Team Alyssa's total is $18,300+ and additional donations are still coming in! Alyssa got discharged from Hershey Medical Center mere hours before the walk and was in attendance as always. (We want to know who she bribed to get sprung, but she won't tell us.)

A HUGE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE OF YOU WHO WALKED, DONATED, GAVE MORAL SUPPORT, and TRAVELED FAR DISTANCES to be there. We appreciate it more than words can express.

So what's next? We keep going to raise funds for that vital research to find a cure. The website stays open through 2019, so donations are welcomed at any point. Brooke Kibler is hosting a 2nd annual Premier Jewelry Party on Thursday, June 27, with her entire commission donated to Team Alyssa (last year's contribution from this event was over $600.) Invitations will be forthcoming. If anyone is interested in hosting a mini fundraiser, just say the word - we have tons of ideas and welcome your ideas, too!

Finally, Alyssa Update!
Alyssa is still home since getting herself out of the hospital for the walk. She is fighting each day and continues to amaze and inspire us with her courage and positive attitude. She sends her love and gratitude along with ours, to each of you on our team. Please keep in touch, you know I will! And have a wonderful and safe summer!

Much love,
Honi xxoo
717-545-9660; 717-608-0946

May 15, 2019

Dear Team Alyssa Supporters,

Our May 19th Hummelstown Great Strides walk for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is NOW ONLY 4 DAYS AWAY! Many thanks to all of you who have registered to walk. We have 48 to date! And there is still time to sign up, if you would like to join us on Sunday. IT'S FUN AND WE WOULD LOVE TO SEE YOU!

Donations at this point surpass all past years! Our team goal of $15,000 looks reachable, but I would like to RAISE THAT GOAL AND SMASH IT! Please continue to donate and encourage your friends and family to do so. It's crunch time now! You have all been so generous, but there are many of you I have not heard from yet (and you know who you are!) Please consider a 2019 donation.
Joe Curcillo, the MindShark, had a fabulous show to benefit Team Alyssa last Thursday night. He is incredible and so generously makes Team Alyssa and the CFF the sole beneficiary of this event. We are ever grateful to Joe and Adrienne Mitford for creating this wonderful evening and its successful 2-year run.

Alyssa Update:
Our girl is still in Hershey Medical Center (over a month now), but tells us she will be discharged on Friday. 2 days before the walk! We never count our chickens before she is actually in the car coming home, but our fingers are crossed. She has had a very tough admission, but can't wait to see you all on Sunday.

THANK YOU ALL!! If you are walking, just find me on Sunday when you arrive, no need to register again. Remember to wear your Team Alyssa shark shirt! If you can't walk this year, please consider donating to our cause. I will update you with our success very soon.
I love you all!
Honi xxoo

April 30, 2019

Dear Family and Friends of Team Alyssa,

I promise, this will be short! The walk is in 20 days and WE NEED YOU TO SIGN UP. So far, we only have 15 walkers. Please register online to join the team - if you are even thinking about participating. There's no obligation. We had 60+ walkers the past 2 years. It's fun!! Bring your friends and family. We need you!

The Mindreader event is next week, Thursday, May 9. All proceeds from this fun evening go to Team Alyssa, thanks for the wonderful Joe Curcillo. (http://themindshark.com/cf/) Please note, if you have already donated to Team Alyssa, or plan to - please come as our guest. Just text, call, or email me, so we have your name at the door. Bring your friends - the more the merrier.

Alyssa Update:
Alyssa is still in-patient at Hershey Medical Center, going on 2 weeks now. She's doing everything in her power to be at the walk on May 19 and is raising lots of money for the team. She hasn't missed a walk yet!

I love you all and hope to hear from everyone soon!

Honi xoxo

PS- No official date for the Premier Designs Jewelry Party yet, but Brooke will have her ware's at the Mindreader event!

April 17, 2019

Dear Family and Friends of Team Alyssa,

Well, here we are!! Only 32 days until our Hummelstown Great Strides walk for Team Alyssa and cystic fibrosis. May 19 will be here before we know it! As always, you have been wonderful. Donations are coming in at a record rate towards our goal of $15,000. But, we only have 9 walkers registered at this time (and 4 are Kiblers!) Many of you have told me that you plan to walk, so PLEASE register by going to the link below to sign up to join Team Alyssa. Please encourage your friends, family, and coworkers to come and walk with us. We have fun for a terrific cause.

Kibler Update:

Chuck is doing great and is finishing up with PT after his Achilles surgery. His goal is to actually golf very soon! Honi is chugging along, feeling much better, after running the household while Chuck recovered. Alyssa, unfortunately, is headed back to the hospital today after only a couple of weeks at home. She's been feeling really lousy and has finally agreed to go back in. We are all very sad, but hoping she will be out in time for the walk. She's never missed one!

DATES to REMEMBER:

• Sunday, May 19 - Great Strides walk in Hummelstown. Please Register Today!
• Thursday, May 9 - 7pm. Music & MindReading to benefit Team Alyssa. We are so excited to announce that the talented Joe Curcillo will be performing his incredible show once again to benefit Team Alyssa. Last year was a total smash hit. People are still talking about it! There will be new exciting feats and fun and money raised goes to Team Alyssa, thanks to Joe. Please join us for this wonderful evening.
• TBA - Premiere Jewelry Event with Brooke Kibler - COMING SOON! Last year's show was really successful and raised over $600 for Team Alyssa. Brooke has agreed to a 2nd Annual and will again donate 100% of her commission to Team Alyssa. You were all incredibly generous last year and we've received many requests to repeat. 

March 24, 2019

Dear Family and Friends of Team Alyssa,

Yes, it is me ... FINALLY!!!

I am so sorry I've been out of touch. We're going to fix that right now. 

First, let me thank our wonderfully generous friends who have already donated to Team Alyssa, putting us at $3,625 currently! Thank you, thank you!

This year's Hummelstown Walk is on Sunday, May 19 at 1:00 PM with registration starting at Noon. Last year, we had 60+ walkers and had our best fundraising year ever. For all of our return walkers, we hope to see you again. And, anyone new to the event, please consider joining us for a fun, enjoyable afternoon to benefit the CFF.

Kibler Update:

Chuck tore his Achilles tendon a few days before Christmas and had surgery to repair it in early January. Just last week, he got his boot off and can begin to walk and drive again. He started PT on Friday. The tables were really turned this winter, Honi had to do it all, after being very spoiled by Chuck all these years. Bottom line: we all survived!

Alyssa Update:

After 4 months at Hershey Medical Center this past fall, Alyssa came home right before Christmas and was home for 7 weeks. She's now completing 4 weeks in-patient and hopefully will be discharged soon. Her indomitable spirit continues to inspire us all. And, her attitude keeps us upbeat and going strong. As always, she can't wait to see you at the walk in May.

We are still working on some additional events to benefit Team Alyssa.  If anyone would like to host one or think of ways to help, please let me know.

Meanwhile, please REGISTER TO WALK, make donations, or BOTH, by clicking on the link below. You can read all about us and the Hummelstown Great Strides walk on our personal page.

Again, thank you so very much for your continued generosity and support. 

We can only find a cure with your help! Please contact me if you have questions or ideas.

I love you all.

Honi xxxooo

717-545-9660 (home)

717-608-0946 (cell)