Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Minnesota Dakotas Chapter

?Totally Tubular Thank You Thursday!? To our righteous sponsors of this year’s Corks & Kegs in Sioux Falls—YOU are the wind beneath our wings! Because of your generosity and gnarly support, we're one step closer to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis! ??? Cure Sponsors: Arp Construction, LLC and Sanford Health ?? Bid for a Cure Sponsor: W.W. Tire Service, Inc. ?? Bar Spotlight Sponsor: Tito's Handmade Vodka ?? Community Sponsors: The Bancorp, Furniture Mart USA, Lemonly, Jorgensen Wood Floors, Vance Thompson Vision ?? Beer Tasting Sponsor: Steffensen Insurance Inc ?? Photo Booth Sponsor: Dakota Vascular ? Outstanding Corporate Supporter: American Airlines From the bottom of our neon hearts, thank you for being a part of this epic journey. Together, we're not just raising funds; we’re raising hope! Keep on keepin' on, and stay rad, Sioux Falls!

Meet Maria James: CF Thriver and the Chair of our Breath of Life Gala Committee! At this year’s Gala, Maria delivered heartfelt closing remarks, shining a spotlight on the incredible dedication of CF parents. t She shared her gratitude for their tireless commitment to their children and to advancing the mission of finding a cure. Together, we raised an astounding $882,000 at the Breath of Life Gala! tp Your generosity and passion fuel hope for a brighter future for everyone living with CF. As we continue to work towards our mission, any additional support would be greatly appreciated. If you'd like to contribute, please visit our website. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. https://lnkd.in/g3MrYhdW https://lnkd.in/gexFKuNT

In 1991, Margarete Cassalina embarked on a life-changing journey when her newborn son, Eric, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). Her daughter, Jena, born in 1993, also had CF, facing severe medical challenges. Tragically, Jena passed away at age 13 in 2006 while awaiting a double lung transplant. Margarete has dedicated over three decades to championing the fight against CF, establishing herself as a key figure in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. She has held pivotal roles such as National Volunteer, National Leadership Council member, National Public Advocacy Chair, and National Volunteer Leadership Chair. She has also served on the Board in New York and special committees, helping to steer the mission for CF. Her unwavering commitment has been instrumental in raising millions of dollars for groundbreaking research and support. An acclaimed author and public speaker, Margarete’s literary contributions include the award-winning memoir Beyond Breathing, which offers a heartfelt narrative following the loss of her daughter Jena. Her second book, See You at Sunset, is a captivating fictional story that humanizes the struggles associated with CF. In her latest book, Embracing the Beauty in the Broken, Margarete empowers readers with strategies for personal growth and resilience, themes she also explores in her transformative women's workshops. Margarete’s advocacy extends to various media platforms, where she has been featured in numerous publications, interviews, and professional presentations, amplifying her message and inspiring countless individuals. Her innovative approaches to fundraising and awareness campaigns have redefined standards within the CF community. Eric, now 33, is a successful financial advisor. He and his wife Kourtney are proud parents to Easton, 4, and Everly, 1, exemplifying the thriving life that Margarete advocates for all CF families. Margarete, who lives in Milton, NY, with her husband Marc, continues to drive impactful change. Together, they are relentless in their pursuit of a cure, aspiring to transform CF from ‘Cystic Fibrosis’ to ‘Cure Found’. As we continue to work towards our mission, any additional support would be greatly appreciated. If you'd like to make a contribution, please visit our website. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. https://lnkd.in/gudRPtKY https://lnkd.in/gsWBdgqx

We are thrilled to announce Evelyn McKee, LPN as the 2024 Dr. Warren J. Warwick Award recipient. This award is presented annually to an individual that exemplifies compassion and care for those fighting cystic fibrosis. The award also recognizes those who have made innovations in the treatment and care of cystic fibrosis. Evelyn's nursing career at the University of Minnesota began in 1975, working at Mayo Memorial Hospital with children ages 1-7. It was here where she met and cared for her first patient with cystic fibrosis (CF), igniting her passion for CF care. In 1986, Evelyn transitioned to outpatient care, gaining a new perspective by seeing patients in a healthier state. Her commitment to CF care deepened further in the early 1990s when she began assisting in the CF office, entering data and providing essential support. By 1995, Evelyn had fully immersed herself in the CF office as a triage nurse, where she became known for her exceptional ability to assist patients over the phone, write critical letters, and navigate the complexities of healthcare for CF patients. Even after officially retiring in 2020, Evelyn's dedication to her patients remained unwavering. Just two months into her retirement, she answered the call to return to work, providing invaluable support to both the adult and pediatric CF centers. Her continued presence has been a source of comfort and joy for many, as her familiar voice brings reassurance to those she assists. Evelyn’s commitment to her work goes beyond professional excellence; it reflects a deep personal fulfillment and a genuine desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Her ability to listen, empathize, and offer support has left an indelible mark on the CF community. Please join us in congratulating Evelyn McKee, LPN on this well-deserved honor and in celebrating her outstanding contributions to the field. Her dedication serves as an inspiration to us all. As we continue to work towards our mission, any additional support would be greatly appreciated. If you'd like to make a contribution, please visit our website. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. https://lnkd.in/gudRPtKY https://lnkd.in/g3WtKXjn

The Angela Warner Friend of the Foundation Award is named for Angela Warner, an incredible young woman who fought cystic fibrosis with grace and courage every day of her life. She was loving, intelligent, generous, and vibrant. Each year the award is given to an individual or individuals who embody these same traits and have dedicated their lives to the mission of the CF Foundation. This year, we are pleased to present this award to Don & Julie Rachel. Since first attending the Breath of Life Gala in 2000, the Rachels have generously supported our cause, both personally and through their business, Rachel Contracting. As presenting sponsors of the Gala and key supporters of other fundraising initiatives, their contributions have helped raise over $1 million directly and millions more through their advocacy. The Rachels were recognized for their incredible contributions to the cystic fibrosis community at this year’s Breath of Life Gala. Their dedication to advancing the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s mission, which includes raising millions of dollars for research, treatment, and care, has been truly inspiring. We are incredibly grateful for their 24 years of commitment and are thrilled to celebrate their impact. We hope you will join us in honoring them and celebrating the progress made possible by passionate supporters like Don and Julie. As we continue to work towards our mission, any additional support would be greatly appreciated. If you'd like to make a contribution, please visit our website. Every donation, no matter the size, makes a difference. https://lnkd.in/gudRPtKY https://lnkd.in/gKviqf-t

The Foundation has agreed to invest up to $15 million in ReCode Therapeutics to fund the development of a gene editing therapy that is designed to use ReCode’s delivery system to transport gene editing cargo to the lung cells in people with cystic fibrosis. First, the lab research will target the correction of a nonsense mutation. Other rare mutations that are not eligible for modulators will be explored later. “Gene editing is a promising, complex technology, which will take many years to develop into a therapy for people with CF,” said Steven Rowe, MD, executive vice president and chief scientific officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. “By investing in this research now, we are laying the foundation to develop what we hope will be a transformative treatment for people with CF, especially those who can’t take CFTR modulators.” https://lnkd.in/gJWsSs4G

We extend our deepest gratitude to our incredible sponsors for their invaluable support and partnership. Thanks to your generosity, we not only reached our fundraising goal but also made a lasting impact that will continue to benefit our community. Your commitment and contributions have been instrumental in making this event a success. Your involvement was essential to our mission and helped make this event truly memorable. We are honored to have had your support, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in creating positive change. Thank you for believing in our cause and for helping us make a difference! Join us in in giving our sponsors another round of applause. Presenting Sponsors: Fluid Interiors , Rachel Contracting, Gardner Builders Platinum Sponsors: Tradition Capital Bank & CHB Title, LLC., Mortenson, Ascentek | Lube-Tech, & American Airlines Gold Sponsors: Knobelsdorff, Marsh McLennan, Holmes Murphy, Old National Bank, Lakehead Constructors, Inc., Ryan Law Firm, PLLC, Polaris Inc., Rosenau Family Research Foundation, Butler Square, & HJ Development Valet Sponsor: Lyon Contracting, Inc. Faces of the Community Sponsor: PACK Private Wealth Silver Sponsors: Redpath and Company (Accounting, Tax, Audit, Advisory), Haworth, Lifespark, Chubb, Lelch, Charles Cudd Company, Road Machinery & Supplies Co., Pinnacle Wall Systems, Northland Concrete & Masonry, Walgreens, Bituminous Roadways, Inc., Linen Effects, Reigstad, Quality Auditing LLC, & Faegre Drinker Host the Community Sponsors: Vincent Companies & Ziegler Caterpillar 65 Roses Sponsors: Itasca Wealth, RBC Wealth Management, Bauer Design Build, & Nevers Industries Inc

?Thankful Thursday? Today we’re sending a huge shoutout to our incredible Breath of Life Gala 65 Roses Sponsors: Itasca Wealth, RBC Wealth Management, Bauer Design Build, and Nevers Industries Inc! Your generous support fuels hope and brings us closer to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. Thank you for standing with us and making a difference in the lives of those affected by CF.

Get your tickets today and save $20 before the price increase on Nov. 1st. https://lnkd.in/guvGk3mF Join us for a radical evening of wine, brew, mocktails, dining, and bodacious fun! Step back into the 80s and embrace the gnarly vibes of the era as we groove the night away. Guests will enjoy all this while partying on with friends, family, and co-workers. The excitement doesn't stop there-get ready to feel totally tubular during our silent and high-energy live auction and other entertainment! Bid on fabulous items that will have you strutting your stuff and feeling like the coolest Yoda in town. Party on, Dude, and dance to the live 80s music by Lunatics Anonymous! Don't miss this chance to make a difference and party, hardy!

Time is running out to secure your tickets for this year's Breath of Life Gala! Join us on Saturday, November 2nd, for an unforgettable evening filled with excitement, elegance, and inspiration. This year's celebration promises to be a night to remember featuring: ? A pre-event reception with a spectacular silent auction ??? An elegant dinner and a heartwarming program, featuring our signature "Bid for a Cure" moment ?? An exhilarating live auction and lively entertainment with our emcee, Elizabeth Ries ?? Presentation of the Angela Warner Friend of the Foundation Award and Dr. Warren J. Warwick Award Don't miss out on this extraordinary experience at the beautiful Mystic Lake Event Center. Secure your tickets now and be part of a night that makes a difference! Ticket sales end Tuesday, October 29! https://lnkd.in/gXeWRzsE