"Cycling for CF"
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.
Sponsors
Hospitality
Medical
Bicycle & Outdoor Shops
Maps
The CFLF trip goes down the
East Coast from Calais, Maine to Key West, Florida. Click
each for a closer look!
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