January Athlete of the Month – Mac Rung

Posted on January 4, 2016 by mpelini

Athlete Name: Mac Rung
Age: 15
Hometown: Austin, TX

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a freshman at Westlake High School in Austin, TX. I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at birth. I live a pretty normal life outside of doing therapy twice a day and taking lots of pills.

How did you learn about Team Boomer?
I learned about Team Boomer from my dad when he mentioned notable people with the disease. He told me Boomer Esiasons son Gunnar has cystic fibrosis. I’ve read his blog and about Team Boomer.

Tell us what motivates you the most.
Making the basketball team motivates me the most. I love the sport and I want to keep playing so I train and the exercise that I get from it keeps me healthy.

What is your favorite memory from Hoops 4 a Cure?
My favorite memory from Hoops 4 a Cure is raising $12,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation last year. It showed how successful we were and that we need to keep hosting the event. This year the 4th annual Hoops 4 a Cure will be May 13th at the Westlake Athletic Community Center. My goal is to raise $15,000 to help find a cure.

What are your favorite ways to train and exercise?
My favorite way to train and exercise is playing basketball. Whether it’s practice for school or tournament basketball or even training outside of a team I love getting exercise through the sport.

Mac Rung and trainer

Who is your role model?
My trainer Jordan Kpaka is a role model of mine. I see how hard he works and where it’s taken him and it motivates me to do the same.

December Athlete of the Month – Brian Fleishhacker

Posted on December 1, 2015 by mpelini

Athlete Name: Brian Fleishhacker
Age: 27
Hometown: Manhasset, NY
Education: Haverford College
Occupation: Fixed Income Sales, Cantor Fitzgerald

Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Manhasset, New York and received an economics degree from Haverford College. I’ve been an athlete my entire life and played lacrosse through college. At Haverford I was a 2-year captain of the team and helped lead us to our first ever Conference 14467417667_c3e3268316_k Championship in 2010. We also made a run to the quarter finals of the NCAA tournament that year, the furthest we’ve gone in history. Since college, although I don’t get to play lacrosse as much as I’d like, I keep busy playing golf, running and working out regularly. Its nice to set physical and athletic goals to work towards such as Marathons, Wall Street Decathlons, and Tough Mudders; in addition to other events and races that come up in my post collegiate years. More often than not I’m running or competing for Team Boomer and the foundation.

Professionally, I’ve worked for Cantor Fitzgerald in New York City since I graduated. I spent 3.5 years working in an analyst position directly for the Chairman and CEO of the company, then a year as a credit analyst on the High Yield Bond desk before moving into Sales.

How did you get involved with Team Boomer?
Gunnar and I have been best friends since we moved in across the street from each other

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in 1993. Our families remain close and my parents were involved in the foundation from day one. I followed in their path, wanting to help with a cause that has always been so close to home. I’ve volunteered for the foundation since High School and soon after graduating from Haverford, I was invited to join the Young Professionals Committee. So from the beginning, I’ve not only been involved with Team Boomer, but the foundation itself as well.

What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
I’ve participated in a lot of Team Boomer events over the years and the NYC Marathon has been my best memory by far. In fact, it is one of my all-time best experiences, period. I’ve run it twice and I strongly encourage anyone who is considering… to go for it! I promise you won’t be disappointed. You don’t understand the feeling of accomplishment until you actually do it. You don’t have to break any records, just give it a shot. Run for a cause, raise money, spread awareness, train hard, stay focused, and enjoy the experience on game day. There is no other feeling like running over the empty 59th street bridge, half way through the race, and then pouring out onto 1st avenue to the roar of fans cheering you on by name. And there is no other feeling like crossing the finish line in Central Park and having that metal placed around your neck. It’s really something special.

What is your best fundraising tip?
Be persistent. Be relentless. If people don’t want to hear from you, they’ll tell you. If they don’t, stay all over them. Especially if you have a story to tell, a connection, or can make yourself relatable. If you’re contacting them by email, there’s so much junk these days, they can easily overlook your message even if they’re more than willing to support. Or you can catch them at a bad time when they’re busy. Maybe they miss it 5 times and catch it on the 6th. Experiment with a different day of the week or time of the day to get in front of everyone you intend to. Make it personal. Draw a connection. And work as hard fundraising as you do training. I promise if you get a good response in the support department you will be that much more motivated with all those people in your corner!

Why do you run?
I run because I like to set goals, train for, and achieve them. I run because I like to stay in shape and live a healthy lifestyle. I run because it’s a time to escape and relax. But I run with a purpose. I run for a cause. I run for Team Boomer. I wear that name proud across my chest. I run to spread awareness. I run to raise support. I run for my best friend. I run… for Gunnar.

November Athlete of the Month – Kerri Boucher

Posted on November 2, 2015 by mpelini

Athlete Name: Kerri Boucher
Age: 34
Hometown: Amherst, NH
Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Law & Government
Occupation: Payroll Supervisor

Tell us a little about yourself.
I was diagnosed with CF at the age of 5 and have one sister, Mallory, who also has CF. Our parents have always supported us in anything we chose to do whether it was school, work, or other activities. They also always told us to do our best to stay healthy so that when a new treatment or cure is found, we would be healthy enough to receive it. That’s what I try to do. Growing up, CF wasn’t an issue until I was in my 20’s. My lung functions started to decrease while my hospital visits increased. I didn’t like the trend but there wasn’t much I could do about it until I was able to enter the Phase 3 trial for Kalydeco. It literately changed my life. Since then, my lung functions increased and I decided to do things that I had never been able to do before. I received my Black Belt in Taekwondo and started running with my husband, Eric. We haven’t looked back and together, we will be running the NYC Marathon this year with Team Boomer.

Tell us what motivates you the most.
I want to be able to show others that anything is possible. There was a time when I thought I’d never be as active as I am but I was lucky enough to have this opportunity and I can’t waste it. I want to use it to help support others with CF and continue to raise money to find a cure.

What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
The Team dinner for the NYC Marathon last year is my favorite memory so far. It was so inspiring to get to talk with other runners about their experiences with training and why they were running.

What is your best fundraising tip?
I contact everyone that I know whether it’s by mail, email, or social media to let them now that I am running for CF and why. We’ve also been really successful with yard sales. Most people are happy to get rid of the extra items they have around the house so they don’t mind donating them to the cause. Over the past two years, we’ve raised about $2,000 from just having yard sales.

Why do you exercise?
To stay healthy and keep my lungs clear. There are days when I just don’t feel like exercising but after I do, I feel much better.

What is your go to song when you are working out?
I don’t listen to music when I run because I usually go with my Husband, Dad, or my Sister. I do a lot of talking instead :). If did run with music, it would be something with a beat to keep me going!

October Athlete of the Month – Brian McCandless

Posted on October 1, 2015 by mpelini

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Athlete Name: Brian McCandless
Age: 28
Hometown: Butler, PA
Education: Bachelor of Science in Health and Physical from Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania
Occupation: Health and Physical Teacher

Tell us a little about yourself.
I was told I couldn’t do many things but have never allowed myself to be held back by others’ expectations. In addition to working hard to manage CF with diet, exercise and nutrition, I challenge myself to inspire others.

How did you get involved with Team Boomer?
Along with inspiring others, I wanted to also raise money for cystic fibrosis too.

What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
Partnering with Team Boomer to inspire many and raise over $23,000 for CF!

What is your best fundraising tip?
Always be ready for your “elevator pitch.” You must at all times be ready to hand over information for your organization.

Why do you exercise?
I make large exercising goals to stay focused and keep myself focused. Without these goals, I find it much easier to skip workouts, treatments and meals.

September Athlete of the Month – Laurie Cobb

Posted on September 1, 2015 by mpelini

Athlete Name: Laurie Cobb
Age: 32
Hometown: Moscow, Pennsylvania
Education: Widener University (Philadelphia) undergrad, Wilmington University (Delaware) MBA
Occupation: Project Manager at JP Morgan

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m from the Poconos in Pennsylvania and am married to my husband Marc for 5 years this month. I love and played a number of different sports throughout high school and college (tennis, softball, basketball) but I never pursued or even thought about endurance sports until a good friend suggested it about a year ago. My husband and I live in Jersey City but we are gluttons for punishment and support our Philly sports teams. I also love dogs. One of my favorite running activities is to dog watch to help keep my mind busy.

How did you get involved with Team Boomer?
I got involved with Team Boomer after attending Refi Rock at the Central Park Zoo right after we moved here. A bunch of colleagues invited me to go and I thought it was so well run I had to send an e-mail stating this to the generic e-mail address on the BEF website asking what I could do to help and get involved. After learning more about Team Boomer and speaking with Michaela I ended up joining the Young Professionals Committee and from there I learned more about the Team Boomer athletic events.

What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
My favorite Team Boomer memory so far was at my first half marathon, I was coming up to mile 13 and there were some people who had already finished waiting near the finish line cheering for me. It was an amazing moment.

What is your best fundraising tip?
Of course, everyone uses social media to fundraise, but I find my posts that get the most responses and likes are those when you include a funny or eye catching picture. My memes of Ryan Gosling tend to get a lot of donations. Get creative with it!

Why do you run?
Short answer – because I can and I should.

Three years ago I was moved from JP Morgan in Delaware to JP Morgan in New York. My husband I packed up our lives and moved to Hoboken and I started working in the city. I had been used to suburban life, park your car in the driveway and drive everywhere and not having to walk far for anything. I sporadically did fitness classes and had many unsuccessful attempts with Weight Watchers, but didn’t really pay a lot of attention to my weight. After a few weeks of living in Hoboken and generally moving more I noticed how truly out of shape I was. I was over 350lbs when I stepped on the scale at my doctor’s office. I started making small changes in my diet and working out a bit more, but nothing too serious. When I saw more weight starting to come off, I began pushing harder, making more changes to my diet and adding in more exercise. I found a workout that I loved (spinning) and met some really awesome people who encouraged me along the way and helped me try new and different workouts. Eventually, the weight kept coming off and my body kept changing. Anyone who has been through a serious body transformation can tell you it is very hard to describe and very emotional.

I wanted to try running, but I was too nervous about running outside or on my own because I figured I would look like a serious hot overweight mess trying to make it around the block. With encouragement from my husband and friends I started some light jogging on a treadmill in our gym. Then I attended a Young Professionals Committee meeting and had the pleasure of sitting next to Steve Bell. I believe he was training for the London marathon at the time (but I could be wrong – he does a lot of them 😉 and I just remember thinking “this guy is amazing” and he inspired me to keep pushing through my fears and to run outside. Every time I got scared about what I looked like, or embarrassed because I had to stop to walk or slow down, I kept thinking of those amazing CF’ers and I didn’t give up. A few months later I did my first 5k, then Tough Mudder, then a half marathon. I am doing the 2015 NYC marathon for Team Boomer and can’t wait to meet everyone from the team soon!

August Athlete of the Month – Vincent Love

Posted on August 3, 2015 by mpelini

241941_10151011993554500_1261684855_o Athlete Name: Vincent Love
Age: 24
Hometown: Stamford, CT
Education: Boston College
Occupation: Investment Banker

Tell us a little about yourself.
I am from Stamford, Connecticut and have one sister Annie, who is going to be a senior in high school, and two loving parents, Lorraine and Vincent, who have supported me as my equipment managers and photographers at all my Team Boomer races. I have played a number of different sports including football, hockey, and lacrosse at KLHT (where I went to school from kindergarten through high school) and rugby at Boston College, but I was never a long distance, endurance athlete. After graduating Boston College in 2013, I got a job as an investment banker in downtown Boston and moved to an apartment in the North End with a friend from college. Despite living in Boston for the last few years, I am still a huge Mets, Jets, and Rangers fan.

How did you get involved with Team Boomer?
I met Gunnar at Boston College our freshman year and a group of fellow BC students became interested in Team Boomer shortly thereafter. After meeting Gunnar and learning more about cystic fibrosis, a number of us became involved with the foundation, attending events and fundraising for various races. Since then, we have been able to remain active with the foundation competing in events and organizing fundraisers.

What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
Without a doubt my favorite Team Boomer memory is running the Boston marathon and specifically running through BC. Heartbreak hill is one of the hardest portions of the Boston marathon and comes directly before BC’s campus. A group of friends, including Gunnar, jumped on to the course and were able to run with me for quite a while, providing much needed support and encouragement. Without their help, it would have been a much harder final push to the finish line.

What is your best fundraising tip?
Don’t be afraid to reach out directly to people you have not seen or spoken to recently. I have found that some of the largest donations have come from people that I did not even think to reach out to directly, but were supportive of the cause after seeing posts on social media. Also holding events can be helpful in raising awareness for your cause, even small social gatherings which are relatively easy to organize can raise a lot of money and help get the word out.

Why do you run?
I run to stay active and use the time that I am training as a release from work, while helping a cause that I am passionate about. Gunnar is a close friend and living with him in college was a constant reminder of what he and so many others with cystic fibrosis have to overcome on a daily basis, which motivates me to this day. I run to support the foundation as well as Gunnar and his family who have provided me with the opportunity and the platform to help the fight against CF. Watching the entire Esiason family fight this disease with such dedication has inspired me to push myself in an effort to help them bring about real advancements to all affected by CF.

July Athlete of the Month: Thomas (Tom) Colaprico

Posted on July 2, 2015 by mpelini

Age:53
Hometown: Congers, NY
Education: BBA, Stetson University, DeLand, FL
Occupation: Executive Director, Production Services – Quad Graphics, Inc

Tell us a little about yourself.
Live in Rockland County; Married with two grown children Love the outdoors; huge NY Giant fan; big Yankee fan.

What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
Two of them: Dinner right before the 2011 Marathon and sharing training experiences, fund raising experiences and goals for the run. Nice to be with your peer group and understand why the people are running, for whom they are running and their tie to BEF. Second was the support from Team Boomer while running the race.

What is your best fundraising tip?
Personalize it; share why you’re running, for whom and the personal relationship. Share the strength of BEF and how it is helping; educate people on CF. People are mostly generous. Keep them involved in your training progress; I also ran a contest for all of those who donated – a $200 AmEx Gift Card drawing for all who participated. Seemed to go over well. I also reached out to some of the donators to share some of their favorite songs with me so I could include those songs on my Marathon Playlist. People seemed pretty engaged with that as well.

Why do you run?
I run to keep fit, try to stay young, keep my sanity, allows me to think uninterrupted. Uninterrupted “me time.” I run for Boomer because my best friend from college, Richard Weiss, had CF. I ran it for him and his brothers Arthur (passed away) and Anthony (also inflicted). The Weiss family is an amazing family and so supportive of CF and the aim for a cure. Sadly, Richard passed in January 2014.

Abby Dwyer Maltz – June Athlete of the Month

Posted on June 1, 2015 by mpelini

Abby Dwyer Maltz 2 Age: 28
Hometown: Rochester, NY (but NYC has been home for the last 7 years)
Education: Princeton University, Harvard Law School
Occupation: Attorney

Tell us a little about yourself.
I grew up in Rochester, New York with an incredibly loving and supportive family. When I was diagnosed at age two, forecasts were bleak. Two of my dad’s brothers had passed away from CF as children and that was the only experience with the disease my family knew. And they responded beautifully. I was raised like any other kid – taught to set goals and dream big. I had some scary health moments when I was in elementary school and had a G-tube put in because I was so thin and just couldn’t keep up with my calories despite my parents cooking me Fettuccine Alfredo and steaks for breakfast before school. The feeding tube marked a turning point and I worked really hard to stay healthy enough to one day go away to college. That was always the dream.

Who or what inspired you to be so active?
My dad taught me basketball in elementary school – I fell in love and didn’t stop for ten years. Basketball became a huge part of my adolescence and, without it, I don’t think I’d be as healthy as I am today. I don’t play anymore, but have worked to find other ways to replace that activity – today, it’s running. Each time I go for a run feels like a blessing and a challenge. I feel incredibly grateful that I can just run and as long as I can do it, I will.

What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
This is an easy question. Crossing the finish line for Team Boomer at the Brooklyn Half. It was pretty emotional and just felt like the most pure form of happiness. I am not a long distance runner naturally and to see what you can train your body to do, even your CF body, that was an incredible experience.

What is your best fundraising tip?
Don’t be afraid to be honest. The people who know you well, those who have lived with you or known you for a long time, they probably understand what daily life is like with CF. But everybody else? They probably have no idea. Educate them, help them understand what it actually means to say that you’re an adult with CF. It’s much easier for people to donate their time and money when they feel like they understand why they’re doing it. This can be challenging and, for me, out of my comfort zone. But I promise it’s worth it.

Abby Dwyer Maltz Why do you run?
I run to do everything I can to keep my body. Everyone with CF is familiar with the frustration and disappointment that follows from an exacerbation, despite doing everything you can to stay healthy. Exercise and running are the extra effort that I can put in on top of the therapies and medications. At least I can be at peace with myself and know that I am doing everything that I can.

What is your go-to pump up song?
This is going to expose my nerdiness. I listen to podcasts and books on tape when I run. The Girl On The Train got me through many half marathon training runs.

What is your biggest motivator?
My family and our future. I have an incredible husband that supports me every single day and fights right alongside me. Me at my healthiest is the dream for both of us.

Jerry Cahill – May Athlete of the Month

Posted on May 1, 2015 by mpelini

Tell us a little about yourself:
I was born on June 27, 1956, and have three older brothers as well as a younger brother and sister. Fortunately, out of the six of us, I am the only one with CF. After I was diagnosed, the doctors told my parents that I most likely would not live past the age of 16 – that they should keep me comfortable at home. Instead, my parents got me involved in sports with my brothers – playing football, baseball, and basketball before joining track and field and pole vault. Unknowingly, they helped me do the best thing to keep my lungs clear!

In high school, I was a runner and pole vaulter and also had a number of jobs – including working with the handicapped and in a restaurant, along with print work and TV commercials for Burger King, Coca-Cola, Clearasil, and other catalogs. After graduating from high school, I attended UCONN, where I competed in pole vault – achieving a personal best of 16’3 at NYAC after school. Leaving home and living a normal life at college with roommates and being a part of a team was the best thing I had ever done. I never let CF get in my way, remained compliant, and learned how to be independent.

Prior to volunteering at the Boomer Esiason Foundation, where I work on various educational and exercise programs to raise awareness and empower the CF community, I was a Vice President of Sales in the apparel industry. About 11 years ago as my CF progressed, I was forced to leave on disability. So today, I still volunteer at BEF and encourage CFers to LIVE, BREATHE, and SUCCEED.

On April 18, 2012, I received a double lung transplant – and I have refused to let it slow me down.

What motivates you the most?
My motivation is reaching goals, meeting new people and learning from them, and passing on the things I have picked up over the years.

My three R’s: RUN, RELENTLESS, REINVENT

What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
My favorite Team Boomer memory is a Half Ironman competition where I chose the biking portion, which was 56 miles. I thought it would be the easiest part – and boy was I ever wrong. It almost killed me! People passed me on mountain bikes while I was on a road bike that weighed 15 pounds. I guess people are right when they say it isn’t about the bike!

What is your best fundraising tip?
Be RELENTLESS and anyone and everyone – then ask again. Most people can spare a few dollars.

Why do you exercise?
I exercise because it makes me stronger in mind, body, and spirit. It allowed me to postpone my transplant for as long as possible by keeping my lungs clear. And now, post transplant, exercise keeps my two gifts of life (my new lungs) healthy and allows me to pay tribute to my donor.

What is your go-to song when you are working out?
Clean Bandit – Rather Be (remixes featuring Jesse Glynne)

What is your plan for May – CF Awareness Month?
I am going to continue to do what I do every day – raise awareness and try to inspire others with CF to get out and live every day to the fullest. BEF is promoting a bunch of great programs too, like: CF Podcasts, Ask Jerry on Facebook, Team Boomer SoulCycle, and You Cannot Fail programs.

Sam Gaccione – April Athlete of the Month

Posted on April 6, 2015 by mpelini

Team EADFAC 2014

Age: 50
Hometown: Manhasset, NY
Education: Providence College (B.S.); St. John’s University School of LAW (J.D.)
Occupation: Real Estate Developer

1. Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born and raised in Westerly, RI, a small town in the southwestern corner of Rhody. I’ve been living in Manhasset for the past 24 years. I’ve been married to my beautiful and incredibly patient wife Paula for almost 23 years, who in addition to putting up with me, leads the charge in making sure our two children, Skyler (16) and Cole (13), are fed, do their homework, and take their shoes off in the mudroom.

2. What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
Having had the good fortune of participating in numerous Team Boomer events over the years – there are so many to choose from. While crossing the finish line at the 2014 NYC Marathon (#ONEANDDONE!!!) on behalf of Team Boomer certainly ranks up there, it is awfully tough not to choose our team effort in Team Boomer’s annual Central Park “Run To Breathe”. “Team Etonanddrinkinforacure” was thirty-eight members strong at the July 2014 race. Getting such an incredible group of family and friends together to run was overwhelming. But the highlight of the event was having my Goddaughter Elizabeth sing the National Anthem at the start of the race in front of 7,000 participants (more on Liz below). This year we’re shooting to have fifty people on our team to help continue to spread awareness of CF and help people learn more about BEF and the invaluable work it does.

3. What is your best fundraising tip?
Reach out to everyone you know. Don’t be shy about asking for people to help support you in a race, to donate to a BEF event, or simply to make a donation to the organization. I am consistently amazed at the feedback I get from people who have been touched by someone in their lives with CF – a family member, a friend, a business associate, a college acquaintance. If you are training for an event and asking for people to donate to your fundraising efforts, make sure to keep them in the loop on your training, the highs and lows, the race date (make sure to ask for prayers and cool weather on race dayJ). Follow up with a personalized thank you to those who donated. Send a group thank you to your master list of people you reached out to thank everyone who donated…and add a friendly reminder to those who may have forgotten to donate that there is still time to do so! Send a post-race follow up with a picture of you crossing the finish line. Believe me, it works! People want to help. You just need to reach out to them.

4. Why do you run?
I run because of my Goddaughter Elizabeth. Liz is a sophomore at Brown University and she has CF. She is a brilliant, kind, beautiful, caring young woman any parent would be ridiculously proud of. Over the past two Christmas breaks from school, while most college students were looking to relax and maybe take a vacation somewhere Liz went to South America to work at orphanages to help assist in providing sorely needed medical attention to the children in the villages she visited. That alone speaks volumes about the person she is. Upon graduation from Brown, Liz hopes to go to medical school with the intention of practicing medicine in a Third World country, providing the medical care to underprivileged children. I’ve watched Liz grow up into this amazing young adult while battling CF. I see how she takes on the challenges of her illness and am in awe of her spirited fight in living every day to its fullest. Liz is why I run. We WILL find a cure for Liz, Gunnar, and all others living with CF.

Shawn Walls – March Athlete of the Month

Posted on March 2, 2015 by mpelini

Shawn Walls
Tell us a little about yourself.
I have been married to my beautiful wife, Carol, for 27 years. We are the parents of three children: Anna, Emily, and Jackson.

What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
Crossing the finish line in the 2013 New York City Marathon. It marked the completion of two years of hard work with some big set-backs along the way. It was the fulfillment of a commitment to my daughter, Anna.

What is your best fundraising tip?
Let everyone in your sphere of influence know what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. Use social media. You’ll be amazed where the money comes from. You may be shocked by the amounts given by people you hardly know. One of my patients has a foundation that contributes money to CF research, and I didn’t know this. She gave a 4-figure contribution.

Why do you run?
I started running in November 2011 with the goal of running in the 2012 New York City Marathon and raising $5000 for the Boomer Esiason Foundation. I wanted to make a bold statement of commitment to my 17 year-old daughter, Anna, who was born with CF. I wanted to show her that I would push myself to do something extremely difficult for a cause that would benefit her. At the same time, I wanted to inspire her to push herself to adhere to a difficult regimen of daily treatment in order to stay as healthy as possible.

After months of training and fundraising I was ready for the marathon and had exceeded my fundraising goal by about $15,000. However, the 2012 marathon was cancelled due to a catastrophic weather event known as Hurricane Sandy. My focus at that time was on Anna, who was in the ICU on a ventilator. She had developed a lung infection from which she would not recover, and she passed away on November 15, 2012.

I trained for the 2013 NYC marathon, and finishing was a very emotional experience. I have continued to run because I enjoy it, and because I feel a connection with Anna when I run. I am doing something that began as an effort to help her. Running has helped me to heal and to deal with grief. I am motivated to strike back at CF by raising money to fight it.

Michael Molnar

Posted on February 2, 2015 by mpelini

Tell us a little about yourself…
I was born and raised in Northern New Jersey. My parents still live in Tenafly, NJ, are happy and healthy, and are fabulous grandparents to our two boys – Nicholas (23) and Alexander (20). Nick works on Wall Street and Zan is a sophomore at LMU in Louisiana. My wife Lynn and I started dating when I was in the 10^th grade and she was in the 9^th grade – and have now been married for 26 years!

What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
I love the Team Boomer camaraderie, the incredible cause the Team supports, and the inspirational stories of fellow runners and of those dealing with the hardships of cystic fibrosis. Training is always a grind – but so much easier when affiliated with great people and a great cause.

What is your best fundraising tip?
Personalize each fundraising message – don’t use a “one size fits all” appeal. Take the time to write individual emails with your Firstgiving link attached. People want to feel appreciated, so the individualized dialogue helps. As the donations comes in, immediately respond with a personalized thank you email. Set up a group email that includes ALL to whom you have appealed for money. Immediately after the race is complete, send a group thank you that recaps the entire event, describe the merits of Team Boomer and the Boomer Esiason Foundation, and how important the donations are. Periodic training updates to the whole group are nice too – especially 2-4 weeks before the race…. And can be a subtle reminder to those who haven’t made a contribution yet.

Why do you run?
My sister ran two marathons – much faster than I have – and that got me interested. I enjoy the challenge, the need to focus, and the great cause that Team Boomer serves. I am also in my fourth year of recovery currently, completely committed to my sobriety, and find that the mental and physical fitness are an integral part of maintaining it. I am grateful to Team Boomer for all of the incredible support and for serving such a fabulous cause – and I look forward to my next race!

Emily Schaller – January Athlete of the Month

Posted on January 2, 2015 by mpelini

1909202_10152323269756814_7836088983908050097_o Athlete Name: Emily Schaller
Age: 32
Hometown: Grosse Pointe, MI
Education: A few years of college at Wayne State University
Occupation:Founder/CEO of the Rock CF Foundation

Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a Pisces. A vegetarian. Fun loving. Broadway loving nerd. An aunt to 2 awesome nieces. Making small connections with people throughout the day makes me happy.
In 2007 I founded the Rock CF Founation to EmPower people with CF and their families to fight on and feel like they are part of something bigger.

Tell us what motivates you the most.
I don’t really think about this often, but the fact that I have been able to totally change my life just with exercise is my fuel. I never want to feel like I did just a few years ago, and this is motivating enough to never give up and push myself. At Rock CF we believe that exercise is so important for CF patients (and everyone else), so I have to practice what I preach.

What is your favorite Team Boomer memory?
Jerry & Em’s Great CF Adventure! Cycling 500 miles with my buddy Jerry, the man who truly kickstarted and inspired me to start exercising! It was an epic trip and I cannot wait to do it again in 2015.

What is your best fundraising tip?
Think outside the box. What are others not doing? Find the void and fill it. Also it’s super important to really drive home the personal connection that you may have with whatever you are fundraising for.

Why do you exercise?
About 7 years ago I was sick of being sick so I decided to kick myself into gear. I started running and cycling and saw improvements in my health within just a couple of months. That made me want to do more so I started running longer, cycling more and adding in yoga and weights. Not only did I have so much more energy and feel great, my PFT’s improved and hospitalizations decrease. Exercise is so crucial to my health, plus it keeps me sane!

What is your go to song when you are working out?
No music! I like to listen to my breath and my footsteps. Most of the time I run with a group so there is a lot of talking!

Logan McGovern – December Athlete of the Month

Posted on December 1, 2014 by mpelini

About me:
I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at Yale Children’s Hospital when I was three months old. I have 2 older brothers who do not have CF – Conor (21), and Trevor (18). I grew up in Darien and have played every sport you could name growing up including lacrosse, hockey, golf, tennis, baseball, basketball, squash, and paddle. My favorite sport is Lacrosse. I played this past spring on the Darien Youth Lacrosse 8th grade travel A team. I play year round with a club lacrosse team Long Island Express North. We went to 5 tournaments this past summer and our team won 2 of them. I am currently playing for Long Island Express North on the fall team and we will be playing in 3 college recruitment tournaments this November against the best freshman players in the country.

My Favorite Ways to Exercise
I love to play all sports but recently I have devoted all my time and effort to lacrosse. Lacrosse is the best. I play attack and just love the speed and skill needed to play the game well. Scoring goals is great but making assist passes to my teammates is really what I like the best. I also like my lacrosse teammates and coaches. They were so understanding of my situation with CF and really took a chance on me to let me play on such a competitive team. My favorite way to exercise is playing a sport, specifically lacrosse. I have played lacrosse since I was 7 with my brothers in our backyard and seems like I haven’t stopped since. Lacrosse is a great way to keep my airways open considering you never stop moving, I attribute my success with my disease to my parents always keeping me active from a young age with sports, and not treating me like I’m different from any other kid on the field, court, course, or ice.

Why I Stay Compliant
I am motivated to stay compliant with my treatments because my goal is to play high school lacrosse and then DI lacrosse in college. I have been blessed to be using the new treatment Kalydeco and it has helped me immensely as I have put on 20 pounds and have never felt better in terms of my breathing and overall health. My parents have always told me that doing my treatments everyday would keep me ready for when one day the cure for CF would be discovered and I have bought in to that belief. Kalydeco is one huge stride closer, I believe, to a cure.

Who is My Role Model?
My role model – that is a tough question because I have so many great people who I look up to. Mr. Raymond, Mr. Barnard and all the dedicated parents that make Darien Youth Lacrosse possible are role models. Coach Waldron, Coach Muller, and Coach Schreiber are big motivators for me and are role models. My parents are also my role models. My father is the hardest worker I know and never stops. He is always looking out for my brothers and me and finding ways to help us with our lives. My mother is always there for us to help us during the day. My mom has always been a huge supporter of my goals and helps me to achieve them.

I learned about Team Boomer…
My parents have been involved with Team Boomer and BEF from when I was first diagnosed with CF. Most recently my neighbor Mr. David Short ran the NYC marathon and raised money for Team Boomer. His wife, Lissa Short, has also raised money for Team Boomer and has run the marathon so many times for the cause. I also attended a Team Boomer golf event in New Jersey last fall playing with my father and played in Boomer’s group. I wear Team Boomer t-shirts and wristbands when I play lacrosse.

2014 NYC Marathon

Posted on November 4, 2014 by mpelini

On Sunday, November 2, 2014, our Team Boomer athletes toughed it out during a cold, windy day and ran to #CureCF. Thank you athletes for all you do for the CF community!

Created with flickr slideshow.

Sally Bell – November Athlete of the Month

Posted on November 3, 2014 by mpelini

Sally Bell 220x300 My son Stephen, who was diagnosed at 3 months old, is now 30. My husband, Gene, and I raised Stephen as normally as possible – never keeping him in a bubble.

I got involved with the Boomer Esiason Foundation and Team Boomer in 2011 when Stephen asked me to run the NYC Marathon because there were a few spots still open on the team. I have always been athletic, never really a runner – but I said yes. I started training in April 2011 and haven’t stopped since. The 2014 NYC Marathon will be my third for Team Boomer – and I also run the NYC Half Marathon as well as Boomer’s CF Run to Breath every July. Running makes me feel free and gives me a way to raise money for CF.

I have launched a personal blog – http://www.marathonmomforcf.com/ – in the hopes that I can shed light on what it is like to raise a child with CF. When Stephen was diagnosed, someone told me, “You are strong, and you can handle this.” Those words and the wonderful support we have from family and friends have made all the difference. I want to pay it forward and try to help other families as much as I can.

What is my favorite memory with Team Boomer?
My favorite memory is from the BEF gala this past March when Stephen was given the Michael Brennan Courage Away. We made a video – people from his life talked about how he inspires them every day. He truly looks at life with the glass half full. Stephen is successful in his job, in his every day life, and most importantly, has recently married his soul mate. Words cannot express how happy I am for all of his blessings.

Why do I run?
I run because Stephen is my inspiration. If he can wake up and train, then so can mom.

Craig Fels

Posted on October 1, 2014 by mpelini

About me: I am born and raised on Long Island. Met my wife Melissa out in Pennsylvania while attending Indiana University of PA. Convinced her to move to New York with me and 20 years later, we have two beautiful daughters, Lauren (11) and Erin (8) and live in Smithtown.

Best Team Boomer Memory: I joined Team Boomer years ago, meeting many members of organization at the Great South Bay Triathlon. Since then, I have enjoyed participating in various Team Boomer events, but my favorite was the NYC Half Marathon in 2013. It was three short weeks until the event and Team Boomer was looking for last minute entries to fill the roster. After contemplating this for a few days, I decided to sign up, having never run more then 7 miles at a stretch before. Goals were all accomplished, and some were more challenging then others: raise money for the foundation in such a short period of time, find time to train in three weeks with a busy travel schedule and complete the Half Marathon without walking.

Best Fundraising Tip: Reach out to family, friends, business associates and anyone who will listen. Spread the word why you run, who you are running for, tell your story. People want to do good; they want to help. First and foremost, it is about why you run. I often find that many people do not understand what CF is, how it affects people, and why it is important to raise funds and continue research that will help fight this deadly disease. This brings people closer to why they are donating and ultimately helping you raise money to meet and exceed your goals. Then, go out and use that support group to motivate you across that finish line!

Why do I run: Because I can. Because I “retired” from soccer years ago, after a few minor surgeries and needed to find something that would not put me in the hospital again. I always ran, but not like I do today. Back then, I ran to train, today I run to stay healthy and fit. For me though, running can be boring, so I got the bike, started to swim and enjoy the multi sport world of triathlon today. I have Team Boomer to thank for that. I also participate in these events to challenge myself and to show my girls they can do anything with a plan, hard work, and WILL.

Blair and Bobby Plott – September Athletes of the Month

Posted on September 2, 2014 by mpelini

Tell us a little about yourselves…
We live in Bobby’s hometown of Tuscaloosa, Alabama (Roll Tide) with our two young sons, Boots (8) and Thomas (6). We’ve been married 14 years and have trained together for the New York Marathon 3 years in a row, although this is only our second year to run it because of Superstorm Sandy in 2012. This year we are really excited to have 3 friends running with us for Team Boomer in New York. 5 people from Tuscaloosa, AL – all running the New York Marathon for cystic fibrosis….pretty cool.

Why Team Boomer?
Thomas, our 6 year old was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was only 10 weeks old. From the moment he was diagnosed we vowed to do everything we could in order to find a cure for CF…even if it means getting out of our comfort zone and training for a marathon.

Running with Team Boomer has been an amazing experience. We have made friends from literally all over the world through Team Boomer.Three years ago, we had the chance to actually speak to Boomer before the team dinner. We didn’t talk long but what he said really resonated with us. He talked about how you hate for your kid to have CF and you would do anything in the world to change it but if there is an upside, it has to be how as a parent you treasure every single milestone and accomplishment. His statement that watching your child with CF get a hit in little league feels like you’ve just won the Super Bowl is so true.

What are you fundraising suggestions?
Just tell your story. Asking people for money is Plott Kids 2 uncomfortable for most people and was certainly true of us. However, over the years, I have realized that not asking is not keeping with the promise we made to ourselves to do everything possible to cure CF. Quite literally Thomas’ life depends on it. I am no longer afraid to ask people for money. Some say no, and that’s ok, but I’ve found that a direct ask usually gets a positive response.

Why do you and Bobby run?
To say I have never been much of an athlete is putting it mildly. Bobby, on the other hand, has always excelled in sports. When he came up with the idea for us to train for a marathon, I thought he was crazy. I also knew that I wanted our sons to grow up knowing they could do anything they wanted to do, no matter how crazy, or how hard it might seem. I also hope they will see the importance we put on physical activity and will remain active throughout their lives, particularly given the importance of exercise to those with CF.

Bike To Breathe

Posted on August 25, 2014 by mpelini

eBlast Image3

Jerry’s Training Blog:

“It’s about the journey, about sportsmanship, about friendships made along the way.”

I am a little behind on my training, but have completely the majority of my ‘foundation’ rides – 20, 30, 40, and 50 milers. One of my biggest challenges in training has been lack of strength due to my transplant. Did you know that most people lose about 30% of their strength post-transplant? Grrr!

Right now I am focusing on roadwork climbing hills, which has been killer for me, and taking a longer recovery time. I have also been working on repeat hill work about three days a week.

Hydration has played a key factor in my training – and I have become much more aware of it. I have to drink one full bottle of water with electrolytes every hour while riding, and I use a product called OSMO for preloading and Active Recovery within 20 minutes of finishing my ride. For all day hydration, I have been using NUUN tablets in my water, which come in convenient plastic containers.

The other important thing I have learned is that I have to pay close attention to my nutrition while going on these extended rides, constantly eating carbs during training. My favorites are PB&J on a bagel, Fig Newtons, Kind bars (especially the almond apricot!), and 18 Rabbit bars.

I am just three weeks away from my big ride, and am staying positive and focused. I am really looking forward to challenging myself, enjoying the journey, and raising awareness about cystic fibrosis.

Em’s Training Blog

Hi everyone… Em here! Just wanted to give you a quick update. Training is going really great so far. Michigan weather has been super mile, so I haven’t had to push through any really hot days. I am training for a half marathon during the bike tour training – so at the same time each week, I have to check the weather to see which days I should run and which days I should bike. It has become a full-time job on top of my full-time job. For me, the wind has been the most difficult obstacle. I would rather ride uphill than straight into the wind, but I guess this is what makes you stronger… at least that’s what they say.

I have been using the Osmo for ladies products, and I really dig them. I completed a 50 mile ride last week, using them before, during, and after my ride, and felt better than I have ever felt after that distance. Proper nutrition is definitely key – making sure to stay on top of it instead of trying to play catch-up.

I can’t believe we are just three weeks away from this epic bike adventure and everything that comes along with it! Those long, multi-day rides are going to be a great challenge. Jerry and I are going to see so many new things and meet new CF friends, families, and care teams along the way. Hope to see you along our great CF adventure!!!

DONATE TODAY!

The Boomer Esiason Foundation Announces its Newest Team Boomer Athletic Event Series: Bike to Breathe

The Boomer Esiason Foundation is excited to announce the launch of its newest Team Boomer event series, Bike to Breathe, which encourages people with cystic fibrosis (CF) to cycle for exercise in order to stay healthy.

The first event in this series, Jerry and Em’s CF Adventure, features two riders who are well known within the CF community. Jerry Cahill is a 58-year-old CF patient and double lung transplant survivor who is living proof that an active, healthy lifestyle positively affects his quality of life. He is currently BEF’s CF Ambassador, volunteering for the Foundation to help the CF community in the here and now. Emily Schaller, a 32-year-old living with cystic fibrosis, started cycling, running, and exercising in 2007, when she was introduced to Jerry’s story, because she was “sick of being sick.” At the same time, she started the Rock CF Foundation to heighten public awareness about her disease and to raise money for research.

On September 15, Jerry and Em will start a 500-mile bike ride that starts in Cary, North Carolina and ends in Baltimore, Maryland. The route is as follows:

Day 1: Cary, NC to Rocky Mount, NC
Day 2: Rocky Mount, NC to Murfreesboro, NC
Day 3: Murfreesboro, NC to Norfolk, VA
Day 4: Norfolk, VA to Williamsburg, VA
Day 5: Williamsburg, VA to Richmond, VA
Day 6: Richmond, VA to Fredericksburg, VA
Day 7: Fredericksburg, VA to Baltimore, MD

Johns Hopkins Hospital (1800 Orleans Street, Baltimore, MD 21287) graciously offered to host Jerry and Em for a speaking engagement on September 23, where they will share their stories and update everyone on their ride.

Jerry, Em, and the Boomer Esiason Foundation would like to thank Chiesi, Genentech, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Marriott, and Penta Water, whose generosity made this even possible.

NYC Triathlon Recap by Craig Fels

Posted on August 11, 2014 by mpelini

Craig Fels Tri

Craig Fels, one of our triathletes, shared a great letter he wrote his family and friends after completing the NYC triathlon. Thank you Craig for everything you do for BEF, Team Boomer, and the CF community. You have made, and continue to make, a huge difference for us, and we appreciate your support!

“One week has passed since the NYC Triathlon and thought I would send out a final update (some of you asked for the details, so figured I would share with you all). Took me about a week to recap it all in my head and a few days to recover. All in all, it was a great experience and so happy I participated for Team Boomer and the Boomer Esiason Foundation, and at the same time, checked another Tri distance off my list.

It was a wet morning, but did not stop us from hitting the Hudson, West Side Highway, and Central Park. When the horn sounded for my wave, I did not have much time to think about what was ahead, it happened so fast. The goal, jump in the Hudson and swim as fast as I could, 1 mile downstream. I did and set myself up for a great day with a 14:30 minute swim.

After wiping the Hudson off my face, literally, I ran the 1/2 mile to my bike, dried myself off the best I could, and hopped on the bike. Side note, it had started to rain halfway into the swim, so drying off became challenging. The 24-mile bike was really nice and scenic, even with the rain – under the George Washington Bridge (very cool) and up to Van Cortland Park, and then back down to 72nd. Got back in 1 hour 23 minutes and hit the transition one more time before heading out on the run.

The run was tough, to put it mildly! As much as I tried to train for this distance, my legs were not quite ready for the 6.2 hilly miles in Central Park. After exiting transition and running down 72nd to the Park, we made a left and headed all the way up, around 128th, and back down to the finish.

I definitely had to dig deep. I had thoughts of walking after mile 1, then 2, and quite honestly all the way to the finish. BUT, I never did. I needed every ounce of will power to get myself to the line and finished the run in just under 1 hour. I thought about the Foundation, all of you who supported me, showing my own kids (who came out at 6:30am to cheer Dad on) mental toughness, etc. to get me there, and I guess it all worked!!!

I was aiming for a time of 2 hours and 45 minutes and finished in 2 hours 47 minutes. I was very pleased with my first Olympic distance Tri. I cannot thank you all enough again for all the support and added motivation to get to the finish line.”