As most of you know, my children, Scott and Joy, 29 and 26, both have CF. Joy is a social worker in central Virginia and getting married in the fall; Scott is in seminary in D.C., preparing to become a Catholic priest. While their health is good, maintaining good lung function gets more challenging for them with each passing year. Average life-expectancy for CF patients is 37, and when your kids are 29 and 26, that tends to focus your attention!

I currently serve as Board Chair for the Metropolitan Washington, DC Chapter. Our first major initiative is the Foundation's walk program -- Great Strides. Great Strides is the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's largest national fundraising event. The Metropolitan Washington, DC chapter holds eleven walks all in our community. In 2008, nearly 1.2 million dollars were raised locally to support CF programs (and $37 million nationwide). This walk brings the entire community out for one cause…to help find a cure for CF.

Joan and I have set a goal to raise $30,000 this spring. Please take a moment – now! – and click on the DONATE button and make a donation.

I know the economy is in the tank and things are tough, but I hope you will take a moment to make a pledge; no amount is too small!