The Syracuse I Day Committee has chosen the Cystic Fibrosis
Foundation as the 2020 Charity. Cystic fibrosis is a rare, life-threatening
genetic disease that ravages the lungs and digestive system. Over time, it progressively limits the
ability to breathe and tragically shortens lives. 30,000 Americans are affected
by this disease and 10 million are symptom-less carriers of the defective gene.
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) is to
cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead
long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering
with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care. This
mission is fueled by a dedicated group of scientists, caregivers, donors,
volunteers, and people with CF and their families who are united by a common
goal: to find a cure for this devastating disease and help those with CF live
longer, healthier lives.
A few decades ago, most people with CF didn't live long
enough to attend elementary school. Today, people with the disease are
graduating from high school and college, pursuing careers, getting married, and
starting families of their own. This is because of support from the CFF -
the world's leader in the search for a cure for cystic fibrosis - and nearly
every CF-specific drug available today was made possible with their financial
support. In addition to research, they work
diligently to ensure all people with CF have access to the best medical,
educational, and financial resources available.
Locally, we are fortunate to have an amazing CF Care Center at Upstate
Hospital that is funded by the CFF.
Since 1993, the Syracuse I-Day Committee has donated over $127,000 to the Central New York community in the form of charitable donations. Recipients include:
Project InVest - Robert J. Maher Memorial Scholarship - $26,000
Public Safety Critical Management Program - $7,500
Scholarships - $48,000
School Programs - $3,000
Coaches v Cancer (2000) - $1,500
MS Society (2001) - $1,000
ARC of Onondaga (2002) - $1,500
Francis House (2003) - $1,500
Children's Hospital (2004) - $3,870
Casey's Place (2005) - $2,000
Paige's Butterfly Run (2006) - $3,500
Rescue Mission (2007) - $5,000
Carol M. Baldwin Breast Cancer Research Fund (2008) - $4,000
It's All About Childhood & Family, Inc. (2009) - $4,000
Spaulding Support Services (2010) - $3,000
The Samaritan Center (2011) - $5,000
Syracuse Chapter of Disabled American Veterans (2012) - $5,000
