About Us
In 1989, our twin granddaughters, Kayla and Samantha were born. Within hours of their birth, we learned that Kayla had Cystic Fibrosis. We didn't know anything about CF but we learned a lot in a hurry. We found out that it is the number one genetic disease affecting children and that it would impact Kayla and her family's lives on a daily basis. She would experience chest PT, nebulized antibiotics, enzyme capsules every time she eats to deal with digestive symptoms and the possibility of frequent 2 week tune ups in the hospital to clear any lingering infections in her lungs caused by the sticky mucous. All of this and still the life expectancy was only to young adulthood. We knew that we could not accept this as fact and decided to do everything we possibly could to change it.
The isolation of the defective gene that causes CF was announced on the very day that Kayla was born and we took this as a sign. We decided to raise money to send to the CF Foundation to speed the research process and make the difference for Kayla and all of the other kids with CF in their lifetimes. There are over 100 people with Cystic Fibrosis in Vermont with at least 9 kids in the five-town area. The advances in CF research benefits all CF patients as well as those suffering from other genetic diseases. Every break through made in genetic research and therapies for CF is knowledge that can be applied to other genetic diseases.
Thanks to the incredible support of the extended community, this event is one of the largest grass roots fund raiser for the CF Foundation. The Stampede includes a craft market and lawn sale, silent auction, bake sale, 5K run, and the walk and roll a thon! We are proud to be sponsored by WOKO, The Vermont radio station of the year. They have donated over $10,000 in airtime, including live coverage on site.
Where does the money go?
All money raised during this event will go directly to the CF Foundation, which is one of the most efficent organazations of its kind. All of the people who organize and run this event are volunteers, and whenever possible, materials and services are donated.
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a nonprofit donor-supported organization, is to assure the development of the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those with the disease.
The Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It funds and accredits more than 115 CF care centers, 95 adult care programs and 50 affiliate programs, and has 80 chapters and branch offices nationwide.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is one of the most efficient organizations of its kind. It has received a four-star rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator, the largest independent charity evaluator in the United States and is an accredited charity of the Better Business Bureau's Wise Giving Alliance.
The Foundation's business model has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health and by publications such as Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek.
We have sent over $1,000,000 directly to the Foundation for programs and research. The committee and our family work incredibly hard to put this event together each year and we couldn't do it without people like you who are willing to become involved as sponsors. The overwhelming love that we feel for our Kayla and the urgency that we and the families of kids with CF feel about keeping them all healthy and strong so that they can make their mark on the world is all the incentive we need. We hope that it will be enough for you too!
Thank you for taking the time to read this information. Last year we raised $98,000 and with your help this year we plan to exceed that total! This event is a habit forming, positive, uplifting experience that we are proud to present to our extended community.
Whether you sponsor the event, donate to the silent auction, walk in the walkathon or attend the event, every dollar that you add to our total has a positive impact on each and every person in the entire world who suffers from this and every genetic disease. As a sponsor, you also receive many advertising opportunities, which we have outlined on the following pages. Please call with any questions or to let us know what level of sponsorship you are interested in. 802-453-3952 or 453-4305 or e-mail bonita@vermonthoneylights.com.
Best regards,
Bonita and David Bedard
Grandparents and Organizers
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