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11th Annual CF Mamas Trip

12 years ago at a National Cystic Fibrosis Conference, the five of us immediately bonded over how no one in our lives fully understood what it was like to have an expiration date stamped on our children’s lives when they were born, as only a CF mama could understand.

Before the conference ended, we promised each other we’d find a way to go on a ‘much-needed’ vacation together.

It took a full year, but we did it.

You’d be amazed at the hurdles we’ve overcome to make this annual trip happen. Our families even refer to our group as ‘the Mamas’ and bend over backwards to do what they can to so we can be together. This year was no different.

Our friendship is not frivolous, it is a priority.

Our bond is built with a language foreign to most. Our conversations are raw and vulnerable and often go until the wee hours of the night. Nothing is off limits so our time is filled with laughter so hard our bellies hurt and tears so fierce our hearts do.

This isn’t your normal girls' trip.
This doesn’t ‘just happen.’
We climb mountains of obligations and personal turmoil to be together.
We make it happen.
It’s that important.

I think this might sum us up:

“If ever there is a tomorrow when we’re not together, there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we are apart, I’ll always be with you.”
-A.A. Milne
*with wine 😉

I hope everyone reading this has found that kind of bonded friendship. If not, please make it a priority. It’s so very worth it.

#CFmamasTrip
#13513
#CircleOfTrust
#11thAnnualTrip ...

Wow! What a whirlwind!

Tissues and coffee are what got me through the past three days as I attended The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s ‘Driven by a Dream’ National Conference (#CFFVLC) in Washington, DC.

My tears started upon check-in as I saw the first of my 400 CF Family. I forgot to have tissues readily on hand for this reunion, such a rookie mistake. Too much time had passed since we all were together so the hugs were extra long and smiles were twice as big.

Being involved with The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for over 30 years, I’ve never missed a conference to learn more about what I can do to make a difference. Marc and I are always humbled and honored to be asked to moderate a session, lead a discussion, or present the annual Jena Award.

The staff and volunteers are my CF family. They have what it takes to be Driven by a Dream, the dream to cure cystic fibrosis.

These people get it.
These people give their all.

No one slept for days, no one wanted to miss one minute of the incredible conference.
There were legends in the room and those who will be legends.

Jaws dropped upon hearing all the scientific progress In the medical updates. Folks took action during the Advocacy session. Pens wrote feverishly as notes were taken during the breakout sessions.

But the speeches. Oh, the speeches!

Kleenex stock must have gone up if all the tears and sniffles are any indication of the emotions experienced. It’s the tangible proof that hearts reached from up on the podium and directly connected to every single person in the room, including the hotel staff.

Leaving here today, I am completely exhausted and ridiculously motivated.

I guarantee you that my entire CF family members feel the exact same way.

We don’t stop, we can’t.

Literal lives depend on our commitment.

IN THIS TOGETHER, UNTIL ITS DONE! ...

🥂Toast to Tomorrows 🥂

Last night we sipped fine wines, sampled craft beers, and nibbled on culinary delights, all while supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 💜

31 years of Marc and I doing all we can to make CF stand for CURE FOUND! #untilitsdone

@cff_gnyc @cf_foundation #CysticFibrosis #tavernonthegreen #TomorrowsLeaders @tl_nyc ...

Our 30th Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis in the books. #UntilItsDone @cff_gnyc
Won’t stop. Can’t Stop. 💜 Until Cure Found ...