VTB2BN24 IV 

Make a Run for a Cure, Make a Run for the Border!

About Cystic Fibrosis

 

The VTB2BN24 Ride is a fundraising event for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Donna Crandall Memorial Foundation, two very special charities that benefit those with Cystic Fibrosis.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955 to assure the development of the means to control and cure cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.

The CFF facilitates the advancement of CF research and care through new therapies, drug development and trials. Ninety cents of every dollar raised for CF goes directly to research.  Unprecedented by an organization of this size and is listed by SmartMoney magazine as the charity that “won’t waste your money”.  Thanks to the relentless efforts of CF Foundation, the average life expectancy of those with the disease has increased dramatically to 35 years of age.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Cystic Fibrosis?

   Cystic Fibrosis, or CF, is a genetic disorder that affects the lungs and digestive systems of approximately 30,000 children and young adults in the US.   

   For those with the disease, a defective gene leads to the production of thick, sticky mucus. In the lungs, the airways become clogged, trapping bacteria, which leads to chronic infections.  In the pancreas, the duct is obstructed and vital nutrients pass through the body unabsorbed.  This mucus leads to recurring infections and hospitalizations. Over time the disease is progressively debilitating. Increased pulmonary scarring leads to decreased lung function and the constant requirement of supplemental oxygen, while increasing damage to the pancreas leads to a growing threat of diabetes.  For many, the necessity of a bilateral lung transplant becomes a reality.

  

                  B2B FACT   

              The four B2B

             rides combined

            raised  more than

           $250,000 !         

 

     To  make a donation contact

Lisa at 518-453-6369

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Donna Crandall Memorial Foundation

While The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation tackles CF on the research and therapeutic front, the Donna Crandall Memorial Foundation seeks to make a difference on a more personal level.  The Foundation was established by the family of Donna Crandall, a courageous woman from the Albany, NY area, who lost her battle with Cystic Fibrosis several years ago.  The family-run Foundation carries no administrative costs and it’s dedicated sole mission is to provide assistance and comfort to those children and young adults with Cystic Fibrosis in a variety of ways.  Whether it’s fulfilling a young patient’s wish to visit Disney World or simply surprising with a home-bound patient a Wii, the Foundation strives to touch one heart at a time. 

Here are just a few of its accomplishments:

 

· Provides gift bags to CF patients upon admission to the hospital

Several times a year, children and young adults with CF are routinely admitted to AMC for a “tune-up”. 

The gift bags contain an assortment of items to help make the stay more comfortable (stationary, snacks, books, dvds, phone and tv vouchers, etc).  As of this writing, nearly 800 bags have been distributed since 1999.

 

· Gives assistance for visits to Lung Transplant Centers

Many of those with CF are required to travel to

NYC or Boston to be evaluated for bilateral lung transplant.  The evaluation process requires many trips to these sites to successfully be placed on the list, which itself is incredibly costly.  The Foundation assists those undergoing this emotional step.

 

· Provides financial assistance

The DCMF also provides assistance to those with CF to help alleviate the great financial burden that is

associated with the disease.  This also includes medical co-pays.

 

· Remodeled the CF patient/family room at AMC

          Once a dreary place, the Foundation has done an

          incredible remodeling job to the patient/family

          room on E5.  It has become an enjoyable place

          where family and patients can spend time

          visiting in a space that feels more like a living room

          than a hospital room.    

 

· Scholarships for Patients 

          Every year the Foundation provides scholarships

          for CF patients pursuing college degrees.

 

· Education for Nurses

          Thanks to financial support from the DCMF, 

          Albany Medical Center Nurses are able to attend

          CF Seminars and Conferences where they learn

          the latest treatment and techniques.