The Muhlenberg Weekly

Issue date: 4/26/07 Section: News

On Sat., Apr. 21, the College held a dinner to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis research. The dinner was organized by the student organization, Cystic Fibrosis on Campus (CFC) and according to Jordan Sones '10, "It was a huge success." 65 guests attended the dinner from various fields and backgrounds including College Muhlenberg Alumni, students, faculty, staff and various community members interested in Cystic Fibrosis research. Guests were provided with food and entertainment by The AcaFellas, Dynamics, and Girls Next Door. "We could not have asked for a better event. We got a great response from all of our guests and raised over $2,000 for Cystic Fibrosis," said Sones.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects over 30,000 Americans and over 70,000 people worldwide. People with the disease have a defective gene that causes the body to produce sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and prevents the pancreas from helping the body break down and absorb food. Those affected by cystic fibrosis experience persistent coughing and frequent lung infections along with poor growth and weight gain and are expected to live only into their late thirties. Research is still being done to provide a cure and the College's CFC hopes to help with this process as much as possible.

Sones explained, "There are a number of cystic fibrosis treatments that have been brought about in the past few decades and the cystic fibrosis community is currently focusing on research for gene therapy treatments. Our goal is to raise money to ultimately provide a cure for Cystic Fibrosis." All proceeds from the benefit dinner were donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation which is the primary sponsor for critical cystic fibrosis research and donates nearly 90 cents of every dollar to cystic fibrosis care, research and education programs.

Cystic Fibrosis on Campus plans to continue their printer cartridge recycling program as well as selling "CF on Campus" wristbands to raise money. They are also planning "Fit for a Cure", which will take place next semester in the Life Sports Center, and will hopefully raise around $20,000. This fundraising event will challenge athletes and non-athletes alike to walk run, lift and push us one step closer to a cure. CFC should be sending out details for this event in the near future.

There is so much that still needs to be done to help with research and fundraising for this disease. Sones says that "CFC is always looking for enthusiastic new members with great ideas on how to help out." If you would like to not only make a difference to the College community, but also help hasten the process of discovering a cure for a disease that affects people all over the world, then keep your eye open for new fundraising events coming up soon on campus.

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