It's no secret that the cystic fibrosis community is full of great ideas and has an even greater passion for standing together to help each other live fuller, more productive lives. As an adult with CF, I've known for a long time (36 years and counting!) how powerful and creative our community members can be, especially when it comes to finding new ways to serve others. And it is this spirit and drive that the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation seeks to encourage through the Impact Grants program, which offers up to $10,000 to programs designed by and for the CF community.
In 2016, we announced our first round of grants, which were given out to seven inspiring and innovative groups working to meet the needs of people with CF and their families. These grantees set out to make a difference -- from providing private online voice coaching, to family education days, to physical fitness programs. The programs have been so successful that we are renewing all 2016 Impact Grants for an additional year.
Now, we're excited to announce four new and exceptional programs as 2017 Impact Grant awardees. The Foundation is honored to be able to support these organizations in their efforts to provide new opportunities to the CF community.
The Cody Dieruf Benefit Foundation: “We Walk Together” Retreat for Mothers of Children with CF
The Cody Dieruf Foundation's “We Walk Together” program is a three-day retreat for mothers of children with CF that live in Montana, Idaho, and across the country. Retreats offer a safe space for mothers who share a connection through CF to come together for support, education, and community. Focus topics included anxiety and depression, self-care, living through a lung transplant, and offering hope for the future.
“I am a mother who is not alone. This retreat has been a turning point in my life. I am coming to have a better grip and more control of me. I need to take care of me so that I can take care of my child.” - Lanor, mother of a child with CF
CF Society, Inc.: CFS Gazette Newsletter
The CF Society's CFS Gazette Newsletter is written for people with CF of all ages and their families. The Gazette offers news about the latest medical advances and clinical trials, CF-friendly recipes, special profiles featuring community members, columns written by experts in the field of CF, and personal stories. Additionally, the Gazette contains cartoons, jokes, and games as part of its mission to provide people with CF and their families with both information and entertainment, as it emphasizes the old adage that sometimes laughter is the best medicine.
Meghan's Light, Inc.: 65 Wellness Wishes
Meghan's Light 65 Wellness Wishes grants 65 health-focused awards for wellness memberships and activities in and outside the hospital. Recipients are children and adults with CF treated at Boston Children's Hospital, with a percentage reserved for Boston Children's patients living in Western Massachusetts. The target number 65 references "sixty-five roses," a term used since 1965 by young children with cystic fibrosis trying to pronounce the name of their disease. The project honors Meghan's lifelong passion for fitness and supports recipients in incorporating wellness and fitness into their own lives.
“Meghan was able to show others that CF wasn't going to get in the way of her dreams and I hope that I can do the same to a new group of people.” - Jason, adult with CF
Kid Logistics
Kid Logistics, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping kids with CF in Mississippi live healthier, happier lives through exercise and activity. As part of its Kids Busy Living program, the organization funds participation in extracurricular activities such as summer camps and sports programs. They also provide educational tools for program providers about the special needs of children with CF and provide products, such as hand sanitizer and tissues, to aid in infection control.
Congratulations again to all the grantees!
Note: Applications for the 2018 Impact Grants Program will be available in early spring. Please visit CFF.org/ImpactGrants or email impact@cff.org for more information.