Families’ Fundraising Efforts Come Full Circle
from Children's Magazine, Summer 2006
Jeff and Jennifer Levine, with their children Allie
and Benjamin, raise funds for the Great Strides
walk each year.
Brian Kennedy openly admits he’s an incredibly competitive person. But there’s one thing he doesn’t mind losing.
“On Great Strides day, I hope I lose – it means somebody’s raising more money,” he said.
Brian Kennedy, along with his wife Vivian and children Isabelle, 9, Charlie, 8, and Peter, 6, are among the families affected by cystic fibrosis who donate their time and efforts to raise money and awareness for CF. They do this largely through fundraising for the Colorado Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and its annual Great Strides for Cystic Fibrosis Walk.
Both Isabelle and Peter Kennedy have CF, and Charlie is a carrier. The Kennedys formed their first Great Strides team in 1997 after Isabelle was diagnosed and have participated in the walk every year. They raise funds through a letter-writing campaign. Their team averages 30 to 40 people, and they raise an average of approximately $24,000 each year.
“What kind of person am I to ask for money year after year?” Brian said. “The answer is, What kind of dad am I if I don’t?
“It’s very real – these dollars turn around and come right back to us.”
Rick Willis, executive director of the Colorado Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, which serves Colorado , Wyoming and Montana , said the dedication of these “heroes”– families like the Kennedys – keep the Foundation moving forward.
“They’re the lifeblood of what we do,” he said.
According to Willis, money raised by families for the Foundation funds research and the CF Foundation’s Care Center Network, which includes The Children’s Hospital in Denver.Jeff and Jennifer Levine, along with their children Allie, 4, and Benjamin, 16 months, also raise funds for the Great Strides walk each year, ever since Allie was diagnosed with CF. With the help of a corporate sponsorship, they have been the top fundraisers the past three years.
“There’s a little competition for fundraising,” Jennifer said. “Being first place is great, but it’s a bonus. There’s a great community of families, and everyone wants to raise money for a cure. With CF, they’re always finding something to get closer to a cure, make treatments better, and increase life expectancy. Every dollar helps.”
Jennifer says Allie is a “typical” 4-year-old, and that “you wouldn’t know she’s sick unless I told you.”
Sunni Lisco and her sister Becky Sassaman also feel fortunate their brother, 20-year-old Daniel Belger, has been so healthy despite having CF. Belger is a sophomore at Western State College in Gunnison, where he plays football and runs track.
“My brother is so amazing,” Lisco said. “He’s such an inspiration. He’s so physically healthy. He keeps us going.”Lisco and her family have been raising funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for years, often hosting such fundraising events as a casino bus and silent auction in conjunction with A Taste of Highlands Ranch. Each event has raised thousands of dollars.
“I would hope for a cure,” Lisco said. “If nothing else, for better quality of life. The life span (for CF) has been extended so far since my brother was born.“Fundraising is very rewarding. It’s amazing how giving people can be when you put yourself out there.”
