Our community really came together on Saturday, April 5^th to support the 7^th Annual Freezin’ For a Reason” jump into Lake Mahopac to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Pudgie and Christine Stack whose seven-year-old daughter Jacqueline suffers from the disease, did a fantastic job advertising and organizing the event. 

With the help of family and friends, and the generous support from our community, Freezin’ for a Reason raised over $55,000.The day started out cold, dark and dreary, and although this reporter was concerned about jumping into the freezing lake, I wondered more what little Jacqueline’s life was like.  She is so adorable that it breaks my heart to think of all the breathing treatments she endures, the hours of chest physical therapy, the continuous array of medications she must take, and the coughing that worries her family and keeps her up at night. 

But, as the day went on, the sun broke out from the clouds and the air got warmer.  It was as if God was looking down on us and giving us a glorious day.  When my family and I arrived at the Mahopac Golf Club, we were pleasantly surprised so see so many cars.  We heard the bagpipers in the distance calling us forward.  When we walked up the hill to the clubhouse to register, the place was packed.  It was great!  Every age group was represented, and it was awesome to see so many kids participating in the fundraiser.  The atmosphere was joyous and exciting. The feeling was like being with family. Smiles abound and no one seemed to care about the weather or the fear of jumping into the cold lake. The kids were cheering, the adults laughing and socializing, and the festive music was provided by tFM Y-105. We were all happy to be at the event knowing that we were helping a neighbor. 

12 year-old Julian Chipkin, an adorable Carmel resident and a friend’s son, partnered with me to jump in the lake.  While he was “afraid of dying from the cold” he also sincerely expressed to me that he was glad he decided to come because Cystic Fibrosis was so sad.   

Yes, the water was very cold, but it wasn’t as bad as we imagined. Jumping in Lake Mahopac for a few moments is nothing compared to what people with Cystic Fibrosis suffer every day, and it was an honor to participate is such a wonderful fundraising event. Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a fatal genetic disease marked by chronic infections, clogged airways, and digestive and reproductive problems.  The life span for a person with CF is only 30 years.  CF Symptoms vary and include very salty-tasting skin, persistent coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath and excessive appetite but poor weight gain.  The disease is not contagious and is usually diagnosed in early childhood. 

But there is hope for Jacqueline and others who suffer from CF. New Scientist reports in its April 5^th issue that scientists at the University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany have discovered the ASM enzyme that creates ceramidase, which kill lung cells resulting in mucus deposits and inflammation that makes the lungs more susceptible to infection. If researches can find a way to block the ASM enzyme, it is possible to reduce lung infection, which will allow CF patients a new approach to treating the disease.

A cure might be right around the corner and every penny counts.  Please help support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

We look forward to seeing you next year! 

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