Totally Shameless

[Jennifer and Jack]

I am not sure if this is within the DK guidelines but I imagine if it makes it past moderation I will assume it is okay.

 

Tonight I had the honor and privilege of being interviewed by a Cystic Fibrosis hero. His Name is Jerry Cahill, he is a 55 year old man that is currently listed for a double lung transplant in NYC.

 

He flew to my area and asked if he could interview me for a podcast on "Overcoming Obstacles with a Chronic Disease"  At first I really didn't think compared to what CFers go through I would have much to offer. I agreed and it was super douper fabulous. We had an amazing chat, and then I was lucky enough to go out for dinner with him.

 

He is running a 10 K this coming Saturday, First of all to be alive with CF at 55 is pretty unheard of and remarkable, second of all he is actively listed and will be called any day now to get new non cystic fibrosis lungs, and three he is running a 10 K with oxygen.. I complain about walking the dog in the heat.

 

I can personally attest to the fact that this man is totally amazing. I have only met one other man like him in my life, and that was another CF guy.

 

He is raising money.. You would think for himself right? afterall, he can't work, he is about to get new lungs.. but no, he is running to raise money for a cure for CF,

 

I would never ask for myself but I will shamelessly ask for this man, who has become my friend. The reason I put this here is because I posted a link on the other webpage that I moderate and I am getting a great response. Jerry is asking people to donate the cost of a bagel and coffee to help find a cure for a disease near and dear to my heart. I am asking that you donate the cost of a dog toy to this amazing cause.

 

In the brief time I spent with him in one evening, I am completely humbled and motivated to do more to improve the quality of my life, to suck it up, to make less excuses and to keep motivated, click on his link and see what you think. If you do donate, you can tell him in the comment section you are a friend of mine or you can say nothing, it doesn't matter. What matters is being a part of something bigger then ourselves.

Here is the link,

Thanks Friends http://http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/jerrycahill/boomerscys...

[Lisa, Daisy & Dexter]

Jen, I was able to go through the link in the discussion. :o)

[Jennifer and Jack]

I also will if you are interested post the results of his race, and where you can follow his story through transplant. I have a lot of friends who are doing amazing post transplant, I want this so badly for him, imagine what he will be able to do when he actually can breathe!!!!  The very sad and mixed emotion part for me is when you are hoping someone you care about get new lungs, that means a relatively healthy person lost their life to some kind of accident. There is so much emotion involved in that. Death and loss of any kind is just horrible but the families who can see past their horror and devastation and give the gift of life are true heros....

[Jennifer and Jack]

Thanks I he won't know what a DK fan is..LOL, I only had so much time with him, I will fill him in on DK....You guys are so sweet, I am so blessed as I go on the page and see SOOO many of my friends and family making donations to a cause that means so much to me. I am determined to help him make it to his goal by Saturday.

 

You guys are so nice to do that..

[Deanna & Desi & Cori]

Link in the comment section worked great!

[Bonnie and Kona]

I made the donation by using the URL in your comment section.

[Melissa & Porter]

I am glad to hear you had a such a great experience meeting him.  I believe that exercise has brought me from chronic pneumonia and hyperreactive airways to a relatively decent state of asthma and copd.  Though not as bad as your reactions, I used to react with asthma, atelectasis or hypersensitivity pneumonitis from contact with car exhaust, cooking fumes, dryer sheets or perfumes, news print and more.  My primary care dr speculated that what exercise does for me is similar to the (not approved) use of bees to redirect the immune system in people with arthritis.  My exercising to the point of being sore 2-3 days a week may be redirecting my immune system from attacking my lungs.  I hope you have similar results.  I even hung out near an open fire last weekend.  You know that's a big deal!

[Bonnie and Kona]

Link in the comment section works in the body of the discussion doesn't. ??

[Bonnie and Kona]

I'm thrilled to her this was such an inspiring experience for you. You truly are an inspiration to me, Jennifer. Hope you post how to see the podcast.

[Jennifer and Jack]

it would appear the link I posted in blue in the comment section does work. try that or try the other idea, thanks GUYS SO MUCH>>>>>>

[Jennifer and Jack]

if you go to firstgiving,com and type in Jerry Cahill, under search, you will see his story and why I am attempting very hard to help him reach his goal.

 

Melissa, I did not want last night to end, he was so much fun, so great, His personality is the best medication in the entire world.... He will not fail.... Running a 10k while listed for a double lung transplant... astounding, When I saw him yesterday he looked amazing... He is a powerhouse, and I told him next time we are together I am running the 10k with him, Up until my last hospital stay I was running 5ks five days a week and doing great, dumb lungs, who needs them anyway, Lungs that work good are for wimps