Cystic Fibrosis & Those Fighting It

Cystic Fibrosis is something I have known about for quite a while now.  One of my very best friends, Karla, was diagnosed with it close to the same time that I met her 13 years ago.  I've always told her that I consider her one of the toughest people I know.  She amazes me all the time at the things she can accomplish!  And she makes doing her treatments look so glamorous! 

 

 

But they are no joke.  And all the meds she has to take are no joke either.  And feeling crummy and keeping up with three kids isn't easy for anyone.  She doesn't ever complain - she just lives her life.  I admire her so much.  She is so special to me and I would love for there to be a cure.  I would love more than anything in the world to give that to her.

I've recently met a little girl named Natalie who also has Cystic Fibrosis.  Natalie's older sister Hailey and Lyla were in kindergarten together and hit it off from day one.  Over the summer we all started hanging out together.  And becoming friend's with Natalie and Hailey's mom, Lindsey, has shed a whole different light on this disease for me. 

Its one thing when you yourself, as an adult, are struggling to breath.  Its awful and terrifying and I hate to think of Karla going through that.  But as a mother to see your little girl struggling.... well that is just heart wrenching. 

This is a video Natalie's Dad, Doug, made to show what life with CF is like for little Natalie and raise some awareness:

Lindsey and Doug, after learning of Natalie's diagnosis have taken on all sorts of athletic fundraisers.  The next one they are participating in is an Xtreme hike.  I just donated and I ask you - if you are able and willing - to do the same. 

Nattles Battle Xtreme Hike

Gary and I reflect quite often on the fact that we were very lucky with Lyla.  We decided we wanted to have a baby, got pregnant on the first try, had Lyla and everything was fine.  I don't say that to brag or rub it in anyone's face who hasn't had it that easy.  From fertility struggles to miscarriages and still births.  From babies dying of SIDS and SUID.  And then there are the diseases that there are not cures for.  Angelman Syndrome, Cystic Fibrosis....  All these things have touched me personally and I feel like its my duty to do what I can to help my friends and family and to raise awareness. 

Gary and I don't make a lot of money.  And we enjoy going out to dinner, going to concerts... Lots of things that cost $50 a pop.  But we also try to donate when we can and help to raise awareness and show our support to the ones we love.

If the choice this week is going out to dinner or helping fund a cure for someone I love, I'm going to pick the cure.  Every time.

Sunday Funday with the Canons

When Jim and Karla and the kids moved to Canada 3 (almost 4) years ago it broke our hearts.  We know its the best place for them to live and they are so happy there, but for our own selfish reasons, we wish they were still here.  Its not often that there are two families where the parents and kids can all get along so seamlessly!

A few years ago Jim came back to visit his parents and he brought Naomi with him.  We got to visit them and it was great!  This year he brought Nathan with him and we got to spend the day with them yesterday.

Karla and I were thrilled when we found out we were pregnant at the same time.  Then we found out we were having a boy and a girl and we obviously started planning their wedding!  Well yesterday gave me reason to believe that this arranged marriage could maybe actually happen some day!  Nathan and Lyla got along so wonderfully!

5 Things Friday - 5 Reasons I am so excited for this weekend!!!!

I am totally pumped to get done with work and get this weekend started!  Here are my top 5 things I'm looking forward to this weekend:

1.  I get to see cute, preggo Sammy Jo at her baby shower.

2.  I get to see my parents updates on their house.

3.  I get to have girl time Saturday night with Erin & Ashley.

4.  I MIGHT get to see Karla one last time before the big move. 

5.  I get to do all of these things by myself.  I am not accountable to anyone for the entire day!  Gary will have Lyla and I don't have to work.  The day will be completely mine.

Our Weekend with the Canons

We spent the weekend with one of our favorite families - the Canons!

Gary and Jim grew up together.  Jim married Karla.  Karla and I were instant friends.  They had Naomi who we adore.  Then they had Nathan and we had Lyla 2 months later.  All the kids get along fantastically!

I think it is so rare to find a circumstance where two families can be such good friends.  Karla and I can do our thing, Gary and Jim do their thing, the kids all play.  Its just perfection.

And this is why it kills me to say that they are moving.  Not just a little move.  To Canada.  And not just across the border, across the border and really far away.  A 40 hour drive.  A $1000 plane ticket. 

Its going to be hard to have them so far away.  I'm so excited and happy for them.  But the selfish part of me is sad that they are leaving us. 

But this weekend we got to spend it at their house for one last time.  We do this every fall and always look forward to it.  We do get to see them once more before the leave, so this weekend was all fun!  I'm saving all my tears for the next time!  ;-)