Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Awards Grants to Eight Community Programs

2018 Impact Grants provide funding for efforts that support people with cystic fibrosis and their families.

| 5 min read

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation today announced the recipients of its third annual Impact Grants, which provide funding to individuals affected by cystic fibrosis (CF) who are leading unique projects in their communities to serve people with the disease and their families.

CF is a rare, genetic disease that progressively limits the ability to breathe and ultimately causes premature death. Thanks to improvements in treatments and care, outcomes for people with CF have improved dramatically, but successful management of the disease requires a complex and demanding care regimen and significant social support.

“People with CF must manage their health 24/7, and no one understands that challenge better than others living with the disease and their families,” said Drucy Borowitz, M.D., senior vice president of community partnerships at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “We are inspired by the individuals in our community who are transforming their own experiences into programs that empower others with CF to live their best lives. It's a privilege to help support their efforts.”

Impact Grant recipients will receive up to $10,000 in funding and are selected in consultation with the CF Adult Advisory Council (AAC), an external panel comprised entirely of adults with CF. In addition to the eight new grants in 2018, three 2017 Impact Grants have been renewed for one year.

Recipients of the 2018 Impact Grants are:

The 3rd Street Society provides people with CF and up to two of their family members or friends the opportunity to add surfing to their physical activity repertoire. The CF surf clinics contribute to the health and happiness of people with CF by providing a half day of one-on-one instruction in a safe and fun environment.

Alchemy of Life: Transformational Life Coaching provides one-on-one sessions to empower people with CF who are confronting challenging life circumstances. Participants work with a life coach to establish goals for growth and wellness. The program is guided by the belief that emotional and spiritual wellness is as important as physical wellness for those with CF.

The Breathe for Britt Run Club is an online community that promotes the benefits of running and walking for people with CF and their families. The program provides support and motivation for training for a 5K, along with resources to track and achieve measurable fitness goals, including a personalized 12-week training program, access to a running coach, and fitness tracker technology.

Coach-Ed Exercise and Wellness Sponsorships helps people with CF incorporate physical activity into their daily lives as a way to manage the physical and emotional stresses of CF. Participants receive financial sponsorships to participate in athletic and fitness-related activities, as well as guidance on finding the right sport.

CF Yogi is a virtual yoga studio with weekly livestreamed yoga classes led by instructors who have firsthand knowledge of CF. Classes are open to adults and kids with CF as well as parents, caregivers, spouses, family, and friends.

The Cystic Fibrosis Reproductive & Sexual Health Collaborative (CFReSHC) engages women with CF to help shape the CF research agenda related to sexual and reproductive health. Participants help identify knowledge gaps, formulate research questions, and share their experiences and concerns through monthly, virtual task force meetings.

Improving Quality of Life for People with CF through Exercise. The Cystic Fibrosis Fitness Institute's 9-month online exercise program uses exercise videos, monthly workouts, and live Q&A sessions to increase the quality of life of people with CF. Participants learn what type of exercising works best for them and how they can put together their own workout routine.

Kronic Young Professional (KYP) Network's CF Young Professional Pilot Program helps young adults with CF who are establishing careers navigate the unique challenges they face in the workplace. The program provides an online hub for educational resources about workplace accommodations, techniques for self-advocacy, and an interactive support forum for young professionals with CF who are entering the workforce. 

The three renewal Impact Grant recipients are:

The 65 Wellness Wishes program, through Meghan's Light, Inc., provides 65 health-focused exercise and physical fitness grants to children and adults with CF. The grants give people with CF access to beneficial physical activities that can be incorporated as part of their fitness plans at home, school, the gym, or even while in the hospital.

The Cody Dieruf Benefit Foundation offers a 3-day We Walk Together Mother's Retreat for the mothers of children with CF, providing them with valuable education, self-care, and mutual support. The retreat aims to improve the well-being of mothers and in turn, improve the health and happiness of their entire families.

Kid Logistics promotes an active lifestyle for children with CF. The program helps pay tuition for summer camps and sports programs, educate program providers about the special needs of children with CF, and pay for infection control supplies to ensure the child stays healthy.

The 2019 Impact Grants submission period will open in January. For more information about the Impact Grants Program, visit cff.org/ImpactGrants.

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