The Good Fight

Hi everyone,
Though we are in the midst of an in depth look at the possible events surrounding the 2012 enigma, today I'd like to take time out to share with you something I'm certain will move your heart. It's a subject most people don't think about, unless they or their loved ones are personally affected. I want to bring to your attention and, hopefully, stir you to action in the fight against Cystic Fibrosis.

As I'm sure you all know, Cystic Fibrosis is a terrible disease.

*Approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States have cystic fibrosis. An additional ten million more—or about one in every 31 Americans—are carriers of the defective CF gene, but do not have the disease. CF is most common in Caucasians, but it can affect all races. The effects are devastating. It causes mucus to build up and clog some of the organs in the body, particularly the lungs and pancreas. When mucus clogs the lungs, it can make breathing very difficult. The thick mucus also causes bacteria (or germs) to get stuck in the airways, which causes inflammation (or swelling) and infections that lead to lung damage. 
Most people are diagnosed with CF at birth through newborn screening, or before the age of 2. A doctor who sees the symptoms of CF will order a sweat test or a genetic test to confirm the diagnosis. Currently, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis. However, specialized medical care, aggressive drug treatments and therapies, along with proper CF nutrition, can lengthen and improve the quality of life for those with CF. There is no way to accurately predict how long a person with cystic fibrosis will live, as many different factors affect a person’s health. Severity of disease and time of diagnosis are two such factors. Many people have a mild case of CF, while others can have moderate or severe cases.*
A very dear friend of mine, Tara Sullivan, was blessed with having a wonderful son with CF.  His mother, my friend, lost him not long ago to this terrible affliction. His name was BJ Barker. Tara and BJ are pictured above. To say my friend was blessed by BJ and his plight is no cliche'. BJ lived many years, and was an outstanding young man...truly a person of the highest caliber; loyal to his friends, a loving brother to his siblings, and the light of his mothers life. He "fought the good fight" his entire life, refusing to allow CF to dictate the terms under which he lived. He was loved by all who knew him, and is missed, though not forgotten. His life served and continues to serve and shine as an example of how one must live a life...as if today is the only day we have. The effect he had on all that knew him can not be measured. I, unfortunately, did not have the pleasure of knowing him well;  still, I can visibly see and feel the mark he made in this world by observing his legacy in those that were blessed with BJ in their lives as they carry on, having him forever entrenched in their hearts. 
If there ever was, in this world, a cause worthy of your support, the fight against Cystic Fibrosis uniquely qualifies. I'd like to encourage you to visit the Cystic Fibrosis website at www.cff.org, and see how you too can lend yourself, your time, your passion, or your financial resources to this, the worthiest of causes. 

Next time, we'll resume our 2012 series. Until then, may you be in peace, with love and joy in your heart. 

Wade

*Info provided by www.cff.org