Linda Hood

We have the greatest group of family, friends, co-workers, neighbors and classmates. Your faithful, continued support of cystic fibrosis research has allowed Keith and Kyle to live well beyond their 18 year life expectancy. We cannot thank you enough for the life you give them.

With so many worthy causes which need support, we thank you for considering this one. Keith and Kyle were born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease in which the body's chloride channels do not function properly, causing thick mucus build up in the lungs, digestive system and other vital organs. As bacteria thrive in these areas, repeated infections occur. This impedes organ function, leading to other diseases such as diabetes, the need for organ transplants and unfortunately, death at far too young an age. In the 1950s, children with CF didn't live long enough to attend elementary school. By 1985, when Keith and Kyle were born, the life expectancy was only 18 years. A child born with CF today has an average life expectancy of over 40 years. Progress is being made, but there is still no cure.

Each year our family and friends participate in this Great Strides walk to raise money for research, in hopes of someday finding a cure. Your generosity has allowed our Team Twins to raise more than $780,000 over the 36 years of Keith and Kyle's lifetime. You have opened your hearts and responded to our plea for help in such an incredible way. With your generous support we have been one of the leading teams in this effort to find a cure. Your dollars are adding years to the lives of those with CF. We cannot thank you enough.

This year's walk is May 20th in Cincinnati at Sawyer Point, in person again. Our goal is to add additional walkers / fundraisers to our Team Twins, so if you'd like to join us, give us a call at 513-313-5179 or 513-519-0765. It's easy, fun and the experience is memorable. It's not easy to come back year after year and seek your help but we must. So we ask that if your budget allows, please consider helping us with a donation again this year. Help us continue to extend the lives of CF patients. Any donation you can make will be greatly appreciated by our family and all who are touched by this disease.

Thank you for your generous and loving support