Dear friends and families,

2008 will be our seventh year participating in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Great Strides Walk. It seems like only yesterday that we began reaching out to all of you as we began our battle against cystic fibrosis (CF). In 2002, Jacob was just a few months old as Julie carried him in the front pack on our first Great Strides Walk. Now, as an active 6 year old, Jacob will zip alongside big sister, Sophie, on his scooter at this year’s Great Strides on April 26th in Valencia, CA.

Jacob began kindergarten this year. While it has been very exciting for him, it has also involved some new courage on his part. He is now required to go to the school office to take his enzymes. While initially nervous about having to do this, he has become an old pro at heading over there anytime it is snack time. His happy face is always welcomed in the front office and all of the staff know his name. As you all know, Jacob must take enzymes before each meal or snack so that his body can absorb the nutrients and fat from the food. Jacob has also shown new independence when having to do his breathers. He is often able to recognize when his nebulizer mist is complete and also increases the vibrations of his vest by himself. We are very proud of him!

CF affects everyone in the family. As parents, the daily routine of 13 different medications can sometimes get overwhelming. We are blessed that Sophie, 9, is such a caring and observant big sister. Sophie loves her little brother so dearly that she keeps us on our toes, at times reminding us when he needs enzymes or if we overlooked one of his other medications. And whenever the family leaves the house on errands, she is the first one to call out, "Do we have Jacob's enzymes?" These two have such a special bond. As Sophie matures, the day will come when she has questions about CF. As some point she’ll probably come across statistics and the facts about the disease.

When that day does come, we will tell her that yes, those statistics are true. But there is hope. Since the year Jacob was born, the median age has risen from 32 to almost 37 years of age! And ever since the CF gene was discovered in the late 1980’s, scientists he been developing new, more powerful medications and treatments. As a result, people with cystic fibrosis are living longer, healthier lives.

What this means is that all of this fundraising is working! We are making a difference! But I’m sure we will all agree it is still not good enough. It will not be good enough until CF stands for CURE FOUND.

On April 26th, we will once again be walking in the Great Strides walk. We are reaching out to you for your support by asking you for a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. There two ways you can make a tax deductible donation:

Write a check to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and send it to this address:

The Malchus’ 22331 Los Tigres Dr. Saugus, CA 91350

Or, you can donate online using a credit card by logging on to:

www.cff.org/Great_Strides/JacobMalchus

Together we are making a difference; and together we will find a cure for cystic fibrosis.

From the bottoms of our hearts, we thank you for your kindness and generosity.

All the best,

Scott & Julie Malchus