Euroland Cystic Fibrosis Cycle For Life

Front Row: (L to R) Linda "Freebird" Adams, Gina Golda, Shelly Worthington, Janet Britt, McCall Dempsey, Kristen "Koko" Menson, Susan Goudreau, Ellen Jenkins. Back Row: Cherith Craft, Lizard Harris, Coug Pearson, Here Wilson, Coach Canada. Not Pictured: "Dr. Liz" and Pat Seiter, Jan Cassidy

September 12, 2010

St. Francisville, LA

Euroland Cystic Fibrosis Cycle For Life

As members of Fitbird Fitness, when rallied by one of our own, we respond. McCall Dempsey initiated the plea for help to raise funds for a great cause that could someday help the daughter of a dear family friend that has been affected by this disease. Offering us the opportunity to come together as a team, cycle the beautiful countryside of St. Francisville, and raise money for a good cause seemed to be all it took for her to organize the largest cycling team for this inaugural local event.



Beginning and ending in the picturesque setting of Hemingbough, the Fitbirds represented themselves in both the 34 mile and 64 mile distances and had a great time riding in a non-competitive event together. There was plenty of time for jambalaya, white beans, beer, and live music after the ride. The aide stations along the routes were well staffed and there was even an opportunity to hand out autographs to a group of star-struck Girl Scouts along the way!

Fitbird Team Post-Ride

Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States due to a defective gene and its protein product that causes the body to produce an unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and obstructs the pancreas.

According to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 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.

In addition to having the largest team showing, we were also awarded the Jennifer Board Breath of Life Award for being the largest team fundraisers! As of this posting, Fitbird Fitness has raised $7,376 towards the $62,001 raised from this event. That number will continue to grow as some of our fifteen cyclists are still in the process of fundraising!

Team Leader McCall "Dazzle" Dempsey and Coach "Canada" Shawhan

If you or anyone you know would like to make a tax deductible donation to a great cause, please consider donating to a member still attempting to reach their individual goal! Click for the Fitbird Team Fundraising Page!

About 65 Roses^®
"65 Roses" is what some children with cystic fibrosis (CF) call their disease because the words are much easier for them 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.

The Weiss brothers, Richard, 5; Arthur, 7 and Anthony, 16 months.

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.

65 Roses^® is a registered trademark of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.