"65 Roses" - Cystic Fibrosis

"Sixty-five Roses"

Have you ever heard the expression "65 Roses®"? Many haven't, "65 Roses" is what little children suffering from Cystic Fibrosis call their disease. As the following story illustrates, the words are much easier for children to pronounce....

Mary G. Weiss became a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 1965 after learning that her three little boys had CF. Her duty was to call every civic club, social and service organization seeking financial support for CF research. Mary's 4-year-old son, Richard, listened closely to his mother as she made each call.

After several calls, Richard came into the room and told his Mom, "I know what you are working for." Mary was dumbstruck because Richard did not know what she was doing, nor did he know that he had cystic fibrosis. With some trepidation, Mary asked, "What am I working for, Richard?" He answered, "You are working for 65 Roses." Mary was speechless.
He could not see the tears running down Mary's cheeks as she stammered, "Yes Richard, I'm working for 65 Roses."

Since 1965, the term "65 Roses" has been used by children of all ages to describe their disease. But, making it easier to say does not make CF any easier to live with. The "65 Roses" story has captured the hearts and emotions of all who have heard it. The rose, appropriately the ancient symbol of love, has become a symbol of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Thanks to the following for supporting "Great Strides"!!
Mr and Mrs John Johnson for Harley in memory of Marichi Turner Oak Point Fresh Market, it employees and all their customers who have bought a rose pinup
Steve Morris Charles Henry Angela Trainham Pamela Johnston Susan Norwood James and Jane Arneal Donna Ballard Mr.&Mrs.Calvin Wright Ronald Mason Lawrence White Mark Miley Mr. & Mrs L. "Mickey" Seale	Jeffery Bodeker Annie Terry Ron Dees Jana Justice-Olivieri Anitra Atkinson Steve/Kelly McLin Diana Mullens Jimmy Ashley Keith Hogan George Baird

Harley's Crew says "THANK YOU"

Harley's crew would like to take this oppourtunity to say thank you to all of you who made a donation or bought a rose or sneaker pinup or a raffle ticket for the quilt.

We would like to thank all the customers and employees of Oak Point Fresh Market, Demco, Popeyes (Watson), along with our friends and family. It was through your generosity and time our team was able to raise over $5000 for the fight to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. During this time we were also blessed to meet others here in our community who also have a family member dealing with CF. A special thanks goes to them for joining in and helping us.

We can never put into words how much your support has meant to all of us. It has been an honor to meet all of you and a blessing to know how many of you came together and supported this effort!

Thanks and God bless!

Harley's Crew 08

Harley has help drawing for the quilt at Oak Point Fresh Market

Harley takes a picture with the winner of the quilt Mr. Norm, an employee of DEMCO.

Harley's Crew receives a check for pinups from Oak Point

What Is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that:

clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections;
obstructs the pancreas
stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

People with CF can have a variety of symptoms, including:

very salty-tasting skin
persistent coughing, at times with phlegm
frequent lung infections;
wheezing or shortness of breath
poor growth/weight gain in spite of a good appetite
frequent greasy, bulky stools or difficulty in bowel movements.
Statistics

About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
More than 40% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
In 2006, the predicted median age of survival was 37 years.

Disclaimer

This site designed and maintained by J.Williamson. For information on this website or if you have a suggestion please e-mail comments@watsonla.com
The use of any content, including but not limited to graphics, without permission is not allowed.