Cystic Fibrosis Walk

“I'm participating in the Great Strides walk for Cystic Fibrosis this Saturday. I know it's late notice, but if anyone would like to help me by donating, I can use all the help I can get.

My nephew was born with cystic fibrosis last year. You can see a picture of him at my Great Strides website, which is also where you can go to donate money.

If you can give anything, it is appreciated. One thing I like about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is that at least 90 cents of every dollar is used to fight the disease.

http://www.cff.org/great_strides/JoshWilking
last edited: 5/13/08 8:14:55 AM”

“I get paid on Thursday. You can count on it then, Josh. :)

Good to see a picture of your nephew. He looks good! Chunky and healthy in that photo.

Did your sister end up moving to IN?

Here's to hoping for a cure for our nephews. :)”

“She's not sure what she's going to do right now. She is finishing up nursing school and has some kind of tuition agreement that requires her to work for certain hospitals. Of the hospitals on the list, none of them have a CF doctor in their network, and she will be required to pay 40% of the bills after meeting the deductible. It's not very good news. She signed on at one of the hospitals and took 3rd shift weekends so she is making a LOT of money, especially for being right out of school with a 2 year degree. We're hoping with the help that is out there, along with her new salary, she will be able to make it happen. At this point, she gets some of the meds for free, but she's not sure how whatever that program is will work with the new insurance.

Braden is actually doing great. He just got a new vest that hooks up to a machine that forces air into it to loosen everything up in his chest. He thinks he's as cool as they come when he's getting the treatments. It beats on him so hard, his face looks like a dog hanging it's out of a car window! I will have to get a picture of him with it on. Words can't describe it. Sitting in the same chair with him when the air is getting pumped gives you a back massage.
last edited: 5/13/08 11:28:55 AM”

“Yep, seen those vests. lol Rugrat (my nephew) used one for a while. He's also used a hand helled divice that looks like a massager, but believe me, you don't want to use it on yourself unless you need to.

I think he currently uses the 2 in 1 thing. While he's doing his breathing treatment, he pushes a button on the side of the mouthpiece and it forces air into his lungs breaking up the gunk. It shortens his therapies a great amount.

It's hard to believe my Rugrat is 25 now. Keep up the hope.”