Inspirtational CF Artcile

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FWD from CF Online Community

Dear Cystic-L Community,

On a cold December night, Karlin, a man I am proud to call my friend,

invited me to his home to discuss something called the St. ’s Olympic

distance triathlon, a triathlon to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

was determined to include me on his team.  I thought he was crazy for

asking, but allowed for the possibility of a miracle to occur.  With a

simple “yesâ€, so began one of the steepest climbs of my life, a .9 mile

swim, 26 mile bike and a 6.2 mile run.

Yes, I have Cystic Fibrosis and have an FEV1 of approximately 30-35%.  I

have been a dancer my entire life, but since the steady downward slide of my

lung function I have not maintained a rigorous cardiovascular regimen.  This

triathlon, alongside pulmonary rehab, is the beginning of that for me.

Currently listed for a double lung transplant, I am determined to fight for

what strength remains to be nurtured in these old faithful lungs of mine.

By choosing to join , my boyfriend and a great team of friends on

this triathlon journey, I leapt boldly into uncharted territory.  I am in

pursuit of what seems an impossible dream, to stand at that finish line as a

pioneer for our CF community, to be stronger than I’ve been in years, to

extend the length of my life.

After consulting with my doctors, I began training in Florida at

Christmastime.  I borrowed the neighbor’s old beach-cruiser bike and dragged

my best friend speed-walking around my folk’s neighborhood culdesacs.  The

adventure began slowly and the work is often grueling.  Yet, after

rigorously training for two full months, I can consecutively swim a half

mile, bike 13 miles and speed-walk 3 miles.  I am halfway there and in

disbelief!

I am completing this triathlon in memory of Dr. Walter , the

pediatrician who diagnosed me at 14 months with CF and then cared for me

until I was 19 years old.  In 1994, he passed away from leukemia.  Leukemia,

Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma and myeloma are cancers that originate in

the bone marrow or lymphatic tissues.  I have learned that leukemia is the

#1 disease killer of children, and the leading fatal malignant disease of

men and women under the age of 35.

I am writing you because I need your support to meet my goal:  to raise

$15,000 by April 1st to be split between the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

(www.leukemia-lymphoma.org) and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  On April

27th, 2003, I will be in St. sburg, Florida, swimming, biking and

running for my future,  for people with CF and for those with blood-related

cancers.  If you are inspired to give generously, please do, as it is events

like these that make a difference, save lives and improve the quality of

lives of patients and their families.  To make a contribution (100% tax

deductible & co. matching gifts), please fill out the attached pledge form

and return it to me by April 1st, 2003.  If for some reason the pledge form

does not make it to you, please contact me via email and I will send it

directly to you.

Thank you in advance for your love, generosity and support!

April Biggs

27 Female with CF; listed for double lung transplant at Hospital of the

University of Pennsylvania

369 St. s Place, #2

Brooklyn, NY  11238

avi_rain@...

*Please follow my fundraising and training at www.tntdreamteam.com/april

Becki

YOUR FAVORITE LilGooberGirl

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