September 2, 2008
Did that catch your attention? Mwahahaaa!
Well, I’m not unleashing myself as much as I am my story. See, beginning yesterday (but really today because yesterday was a non-computer day), I’m participating in a cause that is very near and dear to my heart.
A group of authors have gotten together to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis, and we’re doing a challenge by pledging to write a number of words for the month of September. I’m pledging to write 30,000 words. *gulp*
But you see, this is personal to me. My son, Pirate Boy, is ten. He was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when he was six weeks of age.
When he was diagnosed, we were told he could have a life expectancy of thirty. Wow. A little stunning to us, both of whom were just past thirty ourselves.
But then we found out that only ten years earlier, the life expectancy for a child with CF was…ten years.
So in a decade, researchers funded in part by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation had found treatments and medications that tripled the average life expectancy.
Now, the CF Foundation is getting closer and closer to a cure. And I’m working with a group of authors who are trying to raise $10,000 in September for the CF Foundation. I’ve started a team of like-minded people–writers and readers alike–to do this.
Our team’s goal is to raise $3,000. My personal goal is $1,000.
We’re pledging to write a number of words, or to read a number of pages, through the month. If you can show us your support, please help!
You can visit my Team Page and:
Donate to the cause.
Join my team and pledge to read/write in September–and ask for support from your friends and family.
Spread the word.
Go here to help.
Throughout the month, I’ll be writing more about CF and how it has affected Pirate Boy and our family. In the meantime, thank you for helping us make CF stand for “cure found.”
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:14 am
Such a beautiful boy(I’m sure he’d prefer “cool dude” or something)!!!
This is just the encouragement I need to quit being such a sluggish reader of late and atart some serious kick-ass reading!!! 
30,000 words! YOU GO GIRL!!! 
Good luck with your writing and “cure found” all the way!!! 
I’m off to sneak in one more chapter before I head to work(where I’ll tell the girls about my newest reading scoop-something a little different this time)! Take care!
September 2nd, 2008 at 10:16 am
Oops…”start”.
P.S. Sebastian was my anti-spam word for both comments…perfect!!!
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:04 pm
I want to help anyway i can. I know how hard it is to have a illness in the family. I do not have much money as i am only 21 and have a1 year old baby girl but i will give what i can and if you could tell me anything else i can do i will be more then happy to help. I know you can wright 30,000 words. I just hope that every one get to there goal! good luck and let me know.
September 2nd, 2008 at 12:33 pm
Hey Colleeen,
As you know, I’m doing this challenge too. But I wanted you to know I support you emotionally with everything this month. I’ll be right here alongside you trying to raise money to find a cure!
September 2nd, 2008 at 1:26 pm
I just donated to my local CF Foundation. We also just had a fundraiser walk-a-thon the first weekend in August!
September 2nd, 2008 at 2:19 pm
Thank you for your support! Any little bit helps!!
Emily, if you want some other ideas, you can forward a link to this blog post to friends/family who might be willing to support our efforts. That would be great!
Michelle, what’s your goal? Thanks for your support too.
Bobbi, you rock! Thanks so much for supporting the CFF!
September 3rd, 2008 at 2:43 am
Wow…what an inspiration. Your Pirate Boy is adorable!
So, what do I have to do? I’m working on a book but not getting very far. Maybe I should pledge some writing time? I’m so broke I can’t even afford a dollar at this point. Um…let me know?
And I still haven’t received my book. *sigh* I think the PO ate it.