Reflection from Brian // 7/28/06
I set out with friends Stephen Trull and Christopher Nelson to cycle the East Coast from Calais, ME to Key West, FL with the support of Marianne Carl (Collopy) and Will Callanan. Our intent was building awareness around cystic fibrosis and CFLF, networking with CF centers along the coast, and raising $60,000 to start programming with adolescents in January 2007. This trip entailed a tremendous amount of planning and hard work in order to accomplish our purposes.

We spoke with thousands of people and passed out over 700 business cards sharing information about cystic fibrosis and how tremendous medical advancements are enabling growth of an adult CF population. There was great support and encouragement from families and people with CF, CF physicians, sports enthusiasts, media, and pretty much anyone we talked to. This focus on building awareness we considered a complete success.

We also met with and spoke to CF centers along the coast inquiring about their population of patients transitioning into adulthood and what programs the centers had in place to address the psychological and social needs of adolescents dealing with CF. This focus was also well received and we still have work to do on building relationships with these physicians and centers along the coast.

Financially, we aimed aggressively and weighed the risks of investing such significant funds in a project of promoting CFLF through media, public visibility, and with the intent of turn these funds into larger funds. We have raised approximately $5,000 through this trip, which is less than the cost of the project. Still being in the red, Steve and Chris and I are meeting to analyze the trip and discuss future potential.

There have been significant struggles and successes for all of us throughout this project. The personal accomplishment of completing such a physical feat has impacted me in ways that I am still discovering. I also cherish the impact it has had on the lives of those that participated in the project, as well as those we were in contact with. I have received overwhelming support of people's pride, which is an incredible driving force. If this supportive force is enough to drive my cycling over 2600 miles, I can not help but want to share it with those who are stuggling emotionally to overcome the physical challenges of CF. Hmmm... the power of Positive Vibration.