The Story Of 65 Roses

By Dan Moran

This is way off topic, but I hope once you’ve read this that you’ll understand and forgive the brief detour…

If you’ve had children of your own, then you know the joy that you can get only from holding a baby in your arms, looking on her angelic face and thinking about the wonderous future ahead for this new little person you’ve helped bring into the world.

But imagine how your life would change if shortly after she was born, you found out that this innocent, helpless child had a life threatening disease that had no cure and which so devastates it’s victims that few make it to the age of 35.

Well, a few years ago, some friends of mine were hit with this most unwelcome news. Their first child, a beautiful little baby boy, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic disorder that has no cure.

But rather than play “victim” and let the disease run their lives and the life of their son, these brave parents met the challenge head on. They learned everything there was to know about the illness, including the latest treatments and therapies.

Normally, a child diagnosed with CF faces stunted growth, frequent illnesses and numerous hospital stays every year. But this particular little boy, who is now a healthy and happy 4 years old, is within the size and weight norms for his age, is rarely sick, and has been hospitalized only a couple of times.

This is because of the dedication and committment of his parents to do whatever it takes to make sure their son’s childhood is as normal and as happy as possible. But it is also because his parents have the support of family, friends and one incredible organization, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation:

http://www.cff.org

CFF’s mission is to find new treatments and eventually a cure for this debilitating disease. The work of organizations like CFF has led to an increase in the life expectancy of CF patients from about 16 years to over 32 years. And they are finding new treatments and therapies every day to reduce the number of illnesses and hospital stays CF patients must endure.

Just as important, the CF Foundation is there to support and educate the parents and families of those with CF to make sure they are equipped mentally and emotionally to deal with the daily rigors of caring for their loved ones.

It is with a personal understanding of how important their work is that I ask you to consider donating to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Your gift will help them continue the work of helping families in need, developing new treatments and therapies and eventually of finding a cure for this dread disease.

Please visit the CFF website for more information about the work they do and to make your donation:

http://www.cff.org

Thanks for reading this. Now, go hug your children!

- Dan

(Dan Moran is the creator and owner of BetterTextAds)

PS: So, what does any of this have to do with “65 roses?” You can find the full story here:

The Story of 65 Roses

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 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."

Since 1965, the term "65 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.

"65 Roses^® " is a registered trademark of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.