Its that time again!!! I know I’m behind on the blog, but this one is to important so need to get it done…more to come soon I promise! :) The link to donate and register is at the bottom of this blog if your interested!
Dear Family and Friends,
It’s time again to help support the Cystic Fibrosis foundation! Most of you know that my son Payton lives with Cystic Fibrosis. Each year, I write this letter to help raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in an effort to make CF stand for “Cure Found”. The GREAT STRIDES walk, one of the largest fundraisers for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, is scheduled for May 19, 2013. Our team is trying to raise $12,000 for this year’s event. I would like to ask for your help in meeting this goal so that it may assist in finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Your generous gift will be used efficiently and effectively, as nearly 90 cents of every dollar of revenue raised is available for investment in vital CF programs to support research, care and education. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a devastating genetic disease that affects tens of thousands of children and young adults in the United States. Research and care supported by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is making a huge difference in extending the quality of life for those with CF. We are very thankfully that the CF Foundation is allowing Payton and others with CF to live longer through their research. However, we continue to lose precious lives to CF every day. That’s why your help is needed now more than ever to ensure that a cure is found sooner – rather than later. I would also like you to join our team (Payton’s Players) and walk to show your support. Payton’s Players continues to grow, we had over 100 walkers join the team last year! John and I are always overwhelmed by the support shown for Payton’s Players and hope the team grows again in 2013!
Payton was diagnosed on April 9, 2012 with Type 1 Diabetes. Over the past year, he has learned to take insulin shots, check his blood and understand the importance of how his diet affects both Diabetes and CF. Earlier this month, Payton was able to receive an insulin pump and has adapted once again to another new piece of medical equipment. He has really impressed John and I on how he handles adversity. Don’t get me wrong, we have our good days and our bad, but John and I know it’s important to be strong and supportive for him. We continue to help Payton each day with breathing treatments, supplemental feedings, vest therapy and other medications; all of these help him live a stronger and healthier life. At home each day Payton has to take 25 or more pills, 4 breathing treatments and is feed throughout the night in his G-Button. All of these medications help to assist his digestion, increase his lung function, and treat bacteria growing in his lungs. Although his health is still fragile and a daily struggle, we are grateful for all the medical advances that are available to help him. Payton does remarkably well for a 10 year old, but this is still plenty to take in for someone his age and even more heartbreaking to watch. We have had to hospitalize Payton twice in the past year (November 2012 & March 2013). It is not uncommon for Payton to be hospitalized each year to treat his CF. As you can imagine, these lengthy hospital stays (usually 2 weeks) disrupt everyone’s lives. At times these hospital visits are planned (tune-ups), while other times they are not. Payton doesn’t really enjoy having to go to the hospital (who does), but he is getting better and the nurses have grown very fond of him. Payton understands why he is in the hospital and we couldn’t ask for a better team of doctors, nurses and staff to care for him.
Even though Payton fights CF and Diabetes daily, most of the time you wouldn’t even know he had either. He is very active all day long and loves playing sports. Payton plays Select Baseball for the Texas Crush and is having a great time! He really loves baseball and we give him every opportunity to play and watch it that we can. I asked him recently why he loves baseball so much and he said “Dad, it’s my release from all my diseases. I feel free and don’t have to think about any of it”. He is still a huge Texas Rangers fan, even though his favorite player (Josh Hamilton) isn’t on the team now. We were able to take Payton to Spring Training again this year and visit with Josh. We have many stories about Payton and his fight against CF and Diabetes, but there is one recent story that I’d like to share. Payton’s sister Savanna turned 7 this month. Savanna really loves her brother, looks up to him and would do anything in the world for him. She had a birthday party this past week and invited her girlfriends as any little girl would do at this age. On her invitation she requested that in lieu of gifts, that everyone makes a donation for her brother to the CF Foundation. I was blown away at her selfless act that showed true love for her brother and the importance of their relationship. Savanna raised over $250!
If you are interested in joining our team to walk, it’s easy. Click on “Join My Team!” You’ll then receive step-by-step instructions on how to register to join my team. (Did I mention they must have made this race for Payton, as you walk around the Rangers Ballpark in Arlington?) You can also contact me directly at 817-996-0146 or 2tiffanie@swbell.net
If you are interested in making a donation, just click here.
The CF Foundation has consistently been recognized as one of the top voluntary health organizations in the country at efficiently using its money raised to invest in research and medical programs. By investing in the CFF you are helping to fund the landmark research that will, one day, make a tremendous difference in the lives of those with the disease. With your help, we can give the children and adults with CF the quality of life and the future they deserve. Trying to make CF stand for “Cure Found,” Thank you for your help and support!
Tiffanie Stevens
Below is a list of donors who have donated to support me. Thanks to everyone for your support!
http://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/dsp_DonationPage.cfm?walkid=8605&idUser=74495
. I have felt so bad but just haven’t gotten them together. I truly apologize and accept this as a THANK YOU for everything from all of us! It was great to be home and healthy and you all mean so much to us!!!!
