I feel fortunate to work at a place where passion and hard work are the norm and not the exception.

I really got to thinking about this last Thursday as I joined my colleagues here at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's national office to celebrate the results of our staff Great Strides team. It's an annual favorite for the office because we raise a heck of a lot of money for cystic fibrosis and have a lot of fun along the way. 

Yes, I work at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, but you may not know that, like other corporate and family teams across America, our employee walk team is personal, voluntary and something for which we get excited and feel great pride.

I am pumped that this year I was able to raise over $1,000 from the generous support of my family and friends. Actually that pales in comparison to what others on our team raised but I think I did good nonetheless.

This year our CF Foundation employee Great Strides team adopted a “Star Wars” theme and, believe me, we went all out to make the experience extra special and out of this world.

I could go on and on about what Great Strides means to me and our office team but, as they say, a picture says a thousand words so enjoy these special photos I took at our celebration.

I don't want to leave you feeling jealous, but what other Great Strides team has Dr. Beall and Dr. Campbell dressed in character as Yoda and Darth Vader -- just to convey their thanks and gratitude to all of us? Simply amazing.

On behalf of all of us at the CF Foundation, thank you for all you do and “may the funds be with you!”