Take a deep breath. Take another. Take for granted that you can breath soundly without fear? I know I do.

A little over a year ago, I met my first friend with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). She is a firecracker, honest and open, full of life, but suffering every day. I learned a ton about her, the disease, her frequent hospital trips, the insanity of insurance claims, AND the MOUNTAIN of medication she takes every day to combat the symptoms that linger even on a "normal/good" day. A few weeks later, I participated in my first fundraising activity for CF-a volleyball tournament-it felt great to give through physical activity to a friend that can be limited in many physical activities. I'm here bothering you today in an effort to urge you to give of yourself through this campaign to help those with CF. Breathing easy is not something that those affected by Cystic Fibrosis (CF) are able to do as a thick mucous impairs their ability to breath normally. Another impairment of the disorder causes trouble processing foods due to decreased pancreatic function. Nutrients aren't able to reach their destinations, causing all sorts of continuous health problems in CF sufferers.

Because I'm one of those "crazy" people that wants breath and life to come easy to all, I’m participating in a special event to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Please join me and help raise funds for vital CF research, care and education programs.

You can participate quickly and easily by making a donation through this website OR register online and start raising funds through your own networks as a fellow champion. Registration is easier than setting up a Facebook account I swear! Just click the "Register" button on this page to begin.

I take breathing VERY seriously and I think that you should too. More than ten million Americans are carriers of the defective CF gene-making life, well nearly impossible to live normally. Advances continue to be made in finding a cure, but your help is needed now -- more than ever -- to help keep up the momentum of this life-saving research. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org.

Please take a second to help fellow Americans breathe a little bit easier by making a financial contribution to finding a cure for CF. Every. Single. Dollar. Helps.