Why Giving Matters

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Julie Winn
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“We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.”

 -Winston S. Churchill

The last few months of the year make up what is referred to as the “Giving Season” for the nonprofit world. As the holidays approach, people often give more generously.

Giving Tuesday
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After Thanksgiving, and the subsequent shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the Giving Season, when many focus on holiday and end-of-year giving.

In the spirit of giving, Facebook is partnering with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation on #GivingTuesday to match up to $2 Million Dollars in donations to various non-profits. That means when you donate to the CFLF through the CFLF Facebook Page on Tuesday, November 28th, every dollar will matched 100%!!

The Holiday Season is the time of year when we reflect on what’s important and “Give Thanks” for what we have. For people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and their loved ones, there is so much to be thankful for each and every day.

I don’t have CF, but I know people who do. I’ve worked behind-the-scenes at the CFLF for the past few years. I’ve helped with marketing, communications, social media and fundraising events. I’m also a long-time friend of Brian Callanan, Founder and Executive Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation, and a 41-year-old with CF, living in Miami.

Brian and Julie
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Before I met Brian almost fifteen years ago in our college town of Burlington, Vermont, I did not know what cystic fibrosis was. Now CF has become a significant and meaningful part of my life. It goes without saying that I feel deeply connected to the Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation. Since I began volunteering at the very first Champ’s Challenge for CF in 2006 (the biggest fundraising event of the year) and attending the event for ten years straight, I have dedicated countless hours to helping bring awareness about CF, help raise funds that directly assist people with cystic fibrosis, and watch the organization grow right before eyes. It has made me appreciate all of my friendships and work relationships with my colleagues who live with cystic fibrosis, and those who have passed away from CF. My work with this organization has taught me more than I would have ever thought.
Julie, Catherine and Bridget at Champs Challenge
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For those readers who are not familiar with CF, let me spread some awareness. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease in which a defective gene causes a thick, buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. The mucus clogs the airways of the lungs and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage and eventually, respiratory failure. Living with cystic fibrosis encompasses a wide range of challenges both physically and mentally. While there has been significant progress in treating this disease with advancements in research, medicine and care, there is still no cure and too many lives are cut far too short.

 

And this is why Giving matters!

 

“To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded!”

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Giving Tuesday w Auburn
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The need for Recreation Grants from people with CF continues to exceed the foundation’s financial abilities. Currently, we are able to approve around 40% of the applications we receive. There are many deserving people with cystic fibrosis whom the CFLF would like to help, but unfortunately can’t. Since exercise has many rewards on both the mind and body; improved lung function, weight control, blood circulation, improved self esteem and boosted energy, exercise has become an important component in the management of CF.

By inspiring healthy and active lifestyles through fitness and exercise, the CFLF educates people living with CF about the connections between their lifestyle and their health. Through Recreation Grants, the CFLF provides financial assistance and opportunities so people with CF can live stronger and longer.

The Cystic Fibrosis Lifestyle Foundation awarded the 1,000th Recreation Grant this year, a milestone the CFLF is extremely proud of. Helping 1,000 people with CF took many years of hard work and dedication. It was people like me and you giving, both their time and money. It was people coming out to fundraising events, or people reaching into their pockets and donating $5, $20, $100 when they could. It was the small CFLF staff working long hours. It was the CFLF Board Members volunteering their time to make a difference. It was all the volunteers who have dedicated their time over the years. It was working with companies that are making breakthrough advances in medicine, like Vertex and Gilead. It was partnering with Foundations like The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Rock CF to bring awareness of CF. It was lighting up the Florida State Capitol this year in purple on the kickoff to CF Awareness Month. It was running a 5k, biking 40-miles, selling raffle tickets, or Knocking CF out at the gym. It was maintaining the CFLF Blog to help connect and inspire the CF community. It was hearing the heartfelt, honest, and inspiring stories from so many people with cystic fibrosis, and their loved ones. It was the reality of this relentless disease that has taught me so much and why giving to the CFLF is crucial. It was 1,000 people together we helped. Now it is 1,000+ more who need help.

 

And this is why Giving matters!

 

“Kindness in words creates confidence. Kindness in thinking creates profoundness. Kindness in giving creates love.”

― Lao Tzu

 

Not only is giving to the CFLF good for someone with CF, it’s also good for your health. Giving makes us happier and healthier. A 2008 Harvard Study found that giving money to someone else lifted the participants happiness more than spending it on themselves. Additionally, a wide range of studies has linked different forms of generosity to better health.

So here are some ways you can GIVE this Giving Season.

If you’re already shopping with Amazon this Holiday Season, switch over to Amazon Smile. It’s a simple and automatic way for you to support the CFLF every time you shop, at no cost to you. When you shop with Amazon Smile you’ll find the exact same prices, selection and shopping experience as Amazon.com, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the purchase price to your favorite charitable organization. Get all of your Holiday shopping done while benefiting the CFLF and helping someone with cystic fibrosis to live stronger and longer all at the same time.

You can also donate at any time directly through the CFLF website.

Giving isn’t just about money also. The CFLF has several Volunteer opportunities available. We’re always looking for Volunteer Social Media Ambassadors to help promote our CFLF Blog and to help promote CFLF events online. If you are interested please contact erin@cflf.org. You can also volunteer to help out at one of our fundraising events throughout the year (in various locations across the country). You could even organize and host your own fundraising event for the CFLF! There are endless opportunities to get involved with the mission!

CC Team Vertex
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Champs 40-Mile Ride
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Erin at Champs Challenge
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Whatever your way of contributing might be, we are so very thankful for all the generosity this organization has received over the years, and continues to receive from people like you. I have seen this generosity first-hand and it confirms for me that there is so much kindness in the world.

Between shopping on Amazon, and contributing on Giving Tuesday and throughout the Holiday season, we can make a BIG impact in the lives of people with cystic fibrosis. 100% of donations received through these campaigns will go to support the CFLF Recreation Grant Program and help people with CF live stronger and longer.

When you see the faces and hear the stories from the 1,000 people the CFLF has already helped along the way, you know good things are happening. Make the Holidays bright. Open your heart on Tuesday and throughout this Giving Season.

Make a difference for someone with CF, because Giving Matters!

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