We are officially 5 days away from the 4th Annual Team O’Connell Great Strides Celebration. Team O’Connell was initially created 4 years ago and named Team Emmett in support of R. Emmett O’Connell, III when he was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis 6 weeks after birth. At that time we really only knew that CF was fatal and the good news was that life expectancy for CF kids born then had improved to 35 years old. Imagine being told that the good news about your 6 week old child’s diagnosis is that he could live to be 35…that was the GOOD NEWS! Well, imagine no more for Kellene and I…Brady Matthew O’Connell was born with CF a couple years later and we were told two days after birth that the life expectancy was now 37 years old! In March of 2009 we changed the team name to Team O’Connell in support of both Emmett and Brady – cousins born with tremendous courage, strength, determination and….CF!!!!!!
The good news today in the CF community is centered around the recent medical advancements aimed at correcting the basic genetic defect known to be responsible for Cystic Fibrosis. The most recent clinical trial will have an immediate impact on “only” 4% of CF patients with a specific genetic mutation, but more importantly is the impact this groundbreaking research has on all CF gene mutations – science can correct the defect!!!! This is exactly the momentum we need for a CURE and the generous donations and support we receive from so many wonderful people like you is how we’re getting there! Please continue to support our efforts and keep the momentum growing to help Brady, Emmett and the rest of the 30,000 CF patients in the US fight to live a healthy life.
Please join us Friday night for the kick-off party or visit our Great Strides website by clicking the logo in the right margin and make a donation to help keep the momentum growing!!!!!
Team O’Connell Kick-Off Party
Friday, May 20th @ 6:00 – ?
Molly Malone’s – 7652 Madison St, Forest Park
**$10 Donation at the Door with 100% going to CF
**Beverages and Appetizers have been donated
Team O’Connell Walk
Saturday, May 21st @ 10:00AM
Centennial Park River Walk – Naperville
***Please wear your Team O’Connell t-shirts
***Fun activities for kids and families at Centennial Park following the walk
hi kids,
I can’t make it to the walk but want to make a donation and can’t find the link.
please advise.
love you,
Mary Clare