Sometimes in life we are faced with obstacles that help us realize how precious and unique ones life is.

Aleric, my son was officially diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF) in October 2006. This was very devastating news to our family, considering my Aunt passed away from the very same disease approximately 25 years ago. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that is serious and life-shortening. It affects various body systems by producing abnormally thick secretions that can obstruct the pancreas, intestines, bile ducts and air passages in the lungs. CF is passed down to the child from both the mother and father. If each parent carries this recessive gene that causes CF, the child has a 1 in 4 chance of having CF.

In order for Aleric to suspend the inevitable, he has a regimented treatment schedule, and multiple pills/medicines in which he embodies every day. His treatments consist of two 20 minute sessions of the Vest, which is a machine that helps shake the thick mucus in his airways loose. He also requires a daily breathing treatment of Pulmozyme, a specialized inhalation treatment that helps thin out the thick sticky mucus in his lungs. With every meal and snack Aleric take Creon 10, which are enzyme tablets help his body absorb fats and proteins from the foods he intakes. GlycoLax is another medication he is on, which comes in powder form and dissolves in fluids. He forced to take this every day, so that he will not become impacted with bile.

Aleric is a very bright, creative, playful, and free-spirited soul. He deserves the chance to live a long and healthy life. It is an up-hill battle that he is willing to take. Sometimes this little fighter loses hope and strength and cries out asking, Why do I have CF Mommy and my friends don’t? or I don’t want this anymore Mommy! These words are extremely difficult to take from your 6 year old child…you feel helpless, as if you can’t protect the one thing that means the most to you; no parent wants to feel this way.

Eventually Aleric, just like many others with CF and his aunt, will lose their battle with CF because of respiratory failure (90% of all cases), pancreatic deficiency and their bodies will literally shut down. However, this can be avoided if a cure is found! I will dedicate my life and my research to Aleric, my deceased Aunt, and all CF patients! Unfortunately, without your help through donations, research for CF will slowly diminish. So, for the sake of Aleric and finding a cure, I am asking those close to Aleric and me to help by making a donation. I am asking those who might be in a position to help…to please help. Every $1 that is donated, $0.90 goes towards research! Please help, I am pleading with you, there is only so much one person can do by themselves, sometimes that one person needs an army of Angels.

Aleric and I are trying to reach a goal of $1,500 by May 10, 2008 for the GREAT STRIDES Walk held at Blue Jacket Park. We would love if you could come out and walk with us, but we understand if you can only donate. Either way you are helping to find a cure, save lives, and that is what it’s about!

If you wish to donate to Aleric’s Angels, please click on the following link and click the Click to Donate button: http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/ChristinaGorski5277