We’d like to introduce you to our son, Kevin. To all who observe him, Kevin is a typical, happy go lucky 10 year old boy. And, in fact, for the most part, he is. He swims competitively year round, loves soccer, skiing, hiking in the woods, animals of all types, and simply playing with his friends. He is an excellent student, with science and art as his favorite subjects. He would live on chicken nuggets and french fries if allowed. However, looks are deceiving. Unless told, most people have no idea that Kevin has cystic fibrosis (CF), much less what he endures in a single day. The numbers are daunting – on a daily basis, Kevin swallows over 20 pills, spends 40 minutes doing 3 different breathing treatments, and endures over 60 minutes of chest physio-therapy to dislodge the sticky mucus which seems to love his lungs (and this is when he is healthy). At age 10, Kevin is well aware that he has cystic fibrosis and that there is no cure for this disease; however, he simply views CF as a part of him and refuses to let it rule his life. He has an amazing "can do" attitude which transcends all facets of his life and is truly inspirational to all who interact with him.

We’re asking for your help in raising funds for a cure for cystic fibrosis for Kevin and the 30,000 other children and young adults suffering from CF. Each year, we participate in the GREAT STRIDES WALK to CURE CYSTIC FIBROSIS, sponsored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This year, we will be participating in the Walk on Saturday, May 16, 2009, held at Horseshoe Lake in Roxbury, New Jersey. We’d love to have you join us, either by walking with or sponsoring us. If you want to walk with us, you can register by clicking on “JOIN MY TEAM” at the bottom of this page, or call or e-mail us and we’d be happy to help you with the registration process. If you’d like to sponsor us, a secure online donation may be made by clicking on “CLICK TO DONATE” at the bottom of this page, or you can simply mail your tax-deductible contribution to us (any checks should be made payable to the “Cystic Fibrosis Foundation”).

Cystic fibrosis is a devastating genetic disease that affects normal respiratory and digestive functions making the simple acts of breathing and eating a challenge. On average, children with CF lose 2% of their lung capacity each year, have great difficulty gaining weight, and suffer numerous lung infections resulting in lengthy hospitalizations and chronic infections that eventually lead to death. As shown by the increase in median life expectancy during the course of Kevin’s life (29 years in 1999 to the current 37 years), tremendous strides have been made treating symptoms and improving the quality of life of those with CF. However, there is still much work to be done as despite these improvements, the daily routine of a person with CF is arduous, and the fact remains, every day, precious lives are lost to this disease. As of yet, THERE IS NO CURE FOR CYSTIC FIBROSIS!! That is why your help is needed now more than ever to ensure that a cure be found within Kevin’s lifetime. To learn more about CF and the CF Foundation, visit www.cff.org.

We recognize these are difficult financial times; any contribution is much appreciated as even the smallest of contributions add up and are crucial to funding CF research. Please know that over 98% of all funds raised through our Walk site go directly to vital CF research.

Please feel free to help our cause by forwarding this note on to your email pals. The power of the internet can work wonders!

Together, we can make a difference in Kevin’s life as well as all of those with CF! We thank you in advance for your generosity and support.

Joyce, Henry & Kevin Pollison 27 Radcliffe Drive, Succasunna, NJ 07876 teamkevin@optonline.net