Erica And Brian Rice

Dear Family and Friends

By now, we are usually registered and almost at our fundraising goal.  By March we are usually well on our way.  This year?  This year it is the end of February and I am just registering.  

Every year this gets harder.  Every year asking for help is more difficult.  Turning to the same fountains of generosity and asking over and over for support is a challenge.  

And yet.. every year the response we get from those we love is humbling.  So here we are, once again asking for your help.

The last time I checked, the life expectancy of someone with cystic fibrosis was 46.  Today the life expectancy is 53.  Since I checked the stats 1 year ago we have added 7 years to this number.  And yet... as I approach my own 40th birthday in a few weeks.. 53 just doesn't seem like enough time.  

Brianna is so very lucky to be eligible for life saving medication that treats the underlying cause of the life threatening symptoms of cf.  There are still, unfortunately, some cf patients whose genetic mutation makes them ineligible for these medications.  They are still waiting for their miracle medication. And we are all still waiting for a cure. So we fight.  We stand together and we fight until all people with cystic fibrosis have a chance to live the life they deserve to live and reach the goals they have set for themselves.  

I can vividly remember writing Brianna's walk letter 6 years ago before she went off to preschool. I was so full of fear and uncertainty.  I sit here, what seems like a few weeks later, on the precipice of another huge transition... middle school.  Next year Brianna's independence and responsibility for taking care of herself will truly be put to the test- and my Mama heart hopes and prays that we have prepared her enough.

If you can join us at the walk May 19 it would mean the world to us.

If you can donate to help make CF stand for Cure Found we would be immensely grateful.

If you can keep us in your prayers we would be so very thankful.

From the bottom of our hearts- thank you.

Erica and Brian Rice