65 Roses for CF

As well as being Conservation Week, this week is also Cystic Fibrosis Awareness week.

The Breath for CF website explains "Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is New Zealand's most common life threatening genetic condition; Sadly CF significantly shortens the lives of children born with it, however medical advice is unanimous, people with CF can stay healthier for longer by participating in physical exercise from an early age."

And where do the 65 roses come in? From the Cystic Fibrosis Association fo New Zealand site..
"65 Roses is what some children with CF call their disease because the words are much easier for them to pronounce. Mary G. Weiss became a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation USA in 1965 after learning that her three little boys had CF. Her duty was to call every civic club, social and service organization seeking financial support for CF research. Mary's 4-year old son, Richard, listened closely to his mother as she made each call. After several calls, Richard came into the room and told his Mom, "I know what you are working for." Mary was dumbstruck because Richard did not know what she was doing, nor did he know that he had Cystic Fibrosis. With some trepidation, Mary posed the question,"What am I working for, Richard?""You are working for 65 Roses," he answered so sweetly. Mary was speechless. She went over to him and tenderly pressed his body to hers. He could not see the tears running down Mary's cheeks as she stammered,"Yes Richard, I'm working for 65 Roses." For 39 years, sixty-five roses has been used by children of all ages to describe their disease. But making it easier to say, does not make CF any easier to live with. The 65 Roses story has captured the hearts and emotions of all who have heard it. The rose, appropriately the ancient symbol of love, has become a symbol of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and Associations worldwide."

Rodney Libraries have books about this disease if you want to learn more. Check out the medical section of the library under reference 616.3. Or read about the inspirational Tracey Richardson who has two children with the disease and became an ironman to raise awareness. Her book "Going the Distance" can be found in our biography section 920.

These two New Zealand websites can also tell you more.

http://www.cfnz.org.nz/index.php

http://www.breath4cf.co.nz/