The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation of Iowa will be the recipient of funds raised at the “Breathe Life Into the Future” 24-hour fundraiser held at the Hotel Pattee from 7 p.m. Friday through 7 p.m. Saturday.
Charlie’s Angels, named for a young girl currently battling the genetic disease, set up numerous permanent bicycles of differing types at the hotel, where riders could raise money for miles “ridden” or time spent riding as well as by direct donation.
Mike “Banana Man”Knox, Charlie’s grandfather, noted that there are some 30,000 documented cases of CF in the United States and another 70,000 worldwide, with 1,000 new cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year.
Many of those with the disease are diagnosed at birth, but age two fully 75 percent of those affected are identified.
CF affects the lungs and the ability to intake air by building excessive mucus and fluid in the lungs. While demonstrable improvements have been made in dealing with the day-to-day battle those with CF face, the chief goal of the weekend event was to raise money (almost all of which would remain in Iowa) directed toward curing the disease.
Music and refreshments were provided, and much information on CF was available. A large projection showed the computer program tracking the miles ridden, miles per hour generated, watts of energy expended, time elapsed and more from each vehicle.
A highlight Saturday was a visit from nearly a dozen members of the Iowa State University football team. The Cyclones are major backers of the fight against CF and are often involved in fundraising efforts. Players sang, clapped, rode many miles and interacted with others present to bring a joyous note to the occasion.
