Community Organization, Nonprofit Breathe for a Cure

Raising money to help find a cure and benefiting families of loved ones with cystic fibrosis was the goal of a recent charity event held by the Fraternal Order of Eagles and the newly-launched nonprofit Breathing for a Cure. Cystic fibrosis, a recessive genetic disorder affecting mostly the lungs of those who live with it, takes its toll on the lives of those it touches, explained Julie Chavez, a member of the Eagles' women's auxiliary and chairperson for the annual event, now in its fifth year. "We really want to help people going through this. There are so many people who have it and so many people who don't realize what cystic fibrosis is," said Chavez, whose family members live with cystic fibrosis. Her nephew, Gabriel, 17, lives with the condition, and his sister, Briana, passed away a few years ago from the condition at 12 years old, one week before she turned 13. "It can be really hard for the families," said Chavez. This year's dance event featured live music by Original Sacrifice and tickets included a three-course dinner of chicken, vegetables, salad and dessert, a slight change from years before. As in past years, the event also featured raffle prizes including a flat-screen television, a 50/50 opportunity drawing and a raffle of an original artwork created by Chavez's nephew Gabriel. Chavez began the fundraiser five years ago to help raise money toward finding a cure for CF. This year she was able to raise $2,363, half of which she said she plans to donate to the Great Strides Walk, and the other half to Breathing for a Cure, a burgeoning nonprofit founded late last year by her daughter, Jennifer. "We want to give back to kids and young adults, so a portion of our proceeds go to finding a cure and the other half we use to give back to families," explained Jennifer, 25. Often times insurance doesn't cover certain medical costs associated with the condition, or families spend so much money on medical bills they don't have any left over for other activities, explained Jennifer. "We pay medical bills or we pay for families to go places like Disneyland because they can't afford that after spending so much for medicine. There's one pill that helps with breathing that's about $1,000 a month, so it's a lot," said Jennifer, whose best friend in elementary school also passed away from the condition. "Two years later, my cousins were diagnosed," she explained. People living with CF may find it difficult to breathe as the disease affects the lungs, as well as the pancreas, liver, kidneys and intestine. Long-term issues include difficulty breathing, coughing, frequent lung infections, sinus infections, poor growth, clubbing of the fingers and toes, or infertility in males. The nonprofit serves families statewide now, but as it grows Jennifer said she hopes to help others out of state, as well. "This is my passion, and it's something I care about. We want to make it so we can find a cure and bring awareness," said Jennifer. Additionally, Julie Chavez thanked the Fraternal Order of Eagles for their annual donation of their hall for the event. Jennifer and Breathing for a Cure can be contacted at their website, www.breathingforacure.com, on Instagram @breathingforacure, via email at breathingforacure@yahoo.com, or via phone at 951-415-3931.