I posted this Hip2Give topic yesterday on Hip2Save and was saddened and disappointed when I read all of the negative comments that ensued. The point of these Hip2Give posts is to provide inspiration, hope, kindness, empathy etc. I am re-posting this today (with all the comments removed from yesterday) with the hopes that you will only leave a comment if you have something positive or uplifting to share with other readers. Let’s all follow the saying “If you have nothing nice to say, then don’t say anything at all.” Thanks for your cooperation.

Over the last few months, I have received many emails from readers nominating wonderful charities and organizations to be highlighted on an upcoming Hip2Give post. Although it’s always difficult to decide what organization to highlight next; I was so moved by an email and video sent by reader, Sarah, that I knew I had to highlight Sarah’s story today…(you may want to grab a box of Kleenex before watching the video)

Our baby girl was born after 2 miscarriages and is the absolute joy of our lives. When she was 3 weeks old, we got the call that she had Cystic Fibrosis. This is a devastating, life shortening disease. Below is a video that I have made of her story.

**If you can’t see the video, then go here to watch it.

What Is Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections; and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have enabled many people with the disease to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

Cystic Fibrosis Facts

* About 1,000 new cases of cystic fibrosis are diagnosed each year.
* More than 70% of patients are diagnosed by age two.
* More than 45% of the CF patient population is age 18 or older.
* The predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is more than 37 years.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Since 1955, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been the driving force behind the pursuit of a cure. 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. 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.

How Can You Help?

* Volunteer with the Foundation and help add more tomorrows to the lives of those living with cystic fibrosis.
* Donate to the Foundation and support efforts to enhance and extend the lives of cystic fibrosis patients and ultimately to find a cure.
* Participate in one or more of the 1,200 fundraising events across the country throughout the year
* Raise awareness about cystic fibrosis and encourage others to join the fight.
* Learn more about these and other opportunities at www.cff.org, or call (800) FIGHT CF.

(Thanks so much to Sarah, Virgina Blue, and the rest of the family for sharing their story of courage, determination and love with us…let’s all raise lots of awareness and money for CF!)