65 Red Roses

So, I'm not gonna lie. I've been up till 2 am everyday for the last couple of weeks. Between work, the event and day to day family stuff I've been beyond busy. To top it off I've have less than 36 hours to make it all happen before I board a plane and not to return until 48 hours before the biggest day of the year. As I sat and looked at my list getting bigger instead of smaller, (this is where the not lying part comes into effect)I felt for a brief few hours some mild anxiety... aka chest pain relieved with wine not nitro. As a reward to myself I thought that I would switch up the order and start from the bottom. On the bottom of my list read, "Watch cf documentary". The documentary was about a 23 year old Canadian girl who had cf. In 2010 I had watched Eva blog from her bedside as she waited for her 2nd double lung transplant. In watching her daily blog you could see how fast she was being overcome by cf but her spirit continued to fight. As the days went on it became extremely difficult for me to watch because I knew how it was going to end. Then one day one of my sisters called and shared the news that Eva had passed away. About a month ago that same sister got a phone call from a producer to see if she wanted to be a part of distributing Eva's movie. The producer was trying to get private viewings in the United States and started by contacting followers of the blog. Oprah Winfrey, decided to debut the movie on her new Own Network and it aired in the US tonight. So list in one hand and wine in the other I decided to be a rebel and check off my list from the bottom. The documentary takes you through Eva's journey as she waits for a lung transplant. As I began to view the first couple of minutes it was a quick reality check. I’m so inundated with my life around me that I forgot that, I can breathe easy. I don't cough when I take a deep breath and I don’t swallow 40 pills a day. Eva reminded me that life is not about the small stuff. At the end of the day we are left with family, friends and our health. I am fortunate to have all three. Somehow after watching the movie staying up past 2 am doesn't seem so bad. Thanks Eva for my reality check! See you all next week as we continue in our tenth year of fighting cystic fibrosis. Until there's a cure, Jenny http://65redroses.livejournal.com/

What's in a neighbor?

What the heck is a Blog?? Yep, I googled it after being asked by Jenny to be a guest blogger for the Sal's Pals blogspot. It's a web log, a way to reflect on life. Let's do that. I'm Ron Reeder, married to Lisa and we have 3 boys, ages 9, 6 and 2. Which is why I'm a little late getting this blog in! I grew up in East Toledo, moved to the Bahamas for a few years and came back to the "nickel" in the early 80's. Stay with me. I learned a game called soccer in the Bahamas, and after coming back to the states I continued to play whenever and wherever I could. In the 90's I played for a men's team in Oregon Ohio, which is where I met a friend that knew I was looking for a house. He suggested I come to West Toledo and look on his street, Stannard Drive. Dude, I'm an East Sider, West Toledo! I don't have any friends over there. Fast forward a few years and I ended buying a home on Stannard. It was the late 90's, and I loved all things Chicago, Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks and yes, even the Cubs. On a great summer night, we had the front door open, watching the Bulls just dominate the Jazz and we could hear this cheering from across the street. It was in tune to every big basket the Bulls made, turns out the new neighbors across the street like the Bulls too! The next day I met Rick and Jenny, and we became great friends. Actually, the next season we went to a Bulls vs. Spurs game in Chicago, but I will keep the details of that weekend getaway off the blog! We were young, just getting married, starting a family, it seems like yesterday. I can remember the excitement in Rick and Jenny, getting ready for the baby. Then with one phone call, your life changes. It was Rick, he told me that Sal had Cystic Fibrosis. I sat on the phone speechless as Rick talked with this sense of calm. I don't remember much of that call, but what I do remember is him saying, we gotta do something. Whatever it takes, I was all in. Sal's Pals started with a group of family and friends, all of us ready to do whatever we could. We all had different connections, different skill sets. We learned together how to make this charity what it is today. With Jenny and Rick leading us, providing vision, Sal's Pals has raised over half a million dollars! They are taking CF head on, by generating funds which buy science, and science is buying life. In 1959, the median age of survival of children with CF in the United States was 6 months. Now, it's 37.4 years! I have been fortunate to meet so many great people that are a part of Sal's Pals, all of whom are my friends. I have built relationships with many different sponsors of our events. One phone call and it's food, beverages, golf and more. All of them wishing us success at our fundraisers. I can't thank them enough! This past August, my family spent a week in the Outer Banks with Rick, Jenny, Giana and Sal. From sun to sand, pool to hot tub. Our kids played together, argued with each other (kids do that!) but we made some great memories. What started so long ago has led us to where we are now. I won't stop until there is a cure!

10 Years in the making...

Ten years ago I remember telling a friend that I didn't want to fundraise. I didn't want to talk about CF and I sure did not want to spend all of my free time fighting it. I was inundated with doctors appointments,feeding schedules and I felt like I was giving more medicines to my newborn baby then I did to my patients in the ICU. I was terrified about my families future and even more terrified that I had no control over my life. I felt as if I was under a microscope and everyone was watching. I could feel the sorrow in peoples eyes when they asked how Sal was doing and it broke my heart. Cystic Fibrosis felt like it was consuming my life and even when I tried to pretend everything was normal I felt worse. Well, four months went by after Sal's diagnosis and it seemed that the only thing that did make me feel like I had any control was learning all I could about cf. The fear of the unknown, that's what made me feel so terriable inside. Once I could accept our new reality and fully understand what it was that we were dealing with then, then I could move on. With the motivation of my sister Nikki and the support of our family and friends Sal's Pals was born! For the first time everything felt right. Sure, we had no idea what we were doing when we entered into the fundraising arena but what I did know was that it felt right. The microscope felt as if it had been lifted and the sorrow I once felt as people looked at my son turned into helping hands. Over the past ten years we have held our annual dinner and auction, wine tastings, corporate golf outings, motorcyle runs, school and corporate jeans days, taught science classes,St.Patty's Day bead selling events,cornhole tournamnets,girlscout rocking chair events, Sal's Pals at the Mud Hens,Casino trips, New York City Marathon, Tatoo Parties, Nascar races, radio Shows, Carnivals, Weddings, Parking Lot Party and newly added to the list is a RODEO event! If I would have had a crystal ball ten years ago and seen this list I'm pretty sure that would have been the end of me! Ten years wiser, I know now God doesn't give you more than you can handle. The continued success of the theraputic drug pipeline and the advancements in cystic fibrosis research that are "adding tommorrows everyday" for those afflicted with cystic fibrosis are improving my sons life that I was once was so uncertain about. Please join us for our 10th Annual Dinner and Auction as Sal's Pals continues in the fight against cystic fibrosis. The event will be held Saturday May 12th, 2012 at St. Francis High School.

I am thankful for...

cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=7386952n I am thankful for all of the reachers, scientist,the cystic fibrosis foundation, nurses and doctors who have dedicated their lives in the fight against CF. The video clip above shows us how our fundraising dollars are at work, and people are literally breathing easier because of it! Until there's a cure, Jenny

What’s that saying? “Oh what a difference a day can make…” Well, how bout a decade? As we head into 2012, it’ll mark 10 years that I have had the honor to fight with Sal and his extended family, along side of hundreds of other dedicated souls to fight for a cure for CF.
I’ve been sitting here staring at a blank computer screen for an hour… thinking about how Sal and Sal’s Pals has impacted my life… and just how to put it into words. I read previous blog entries, and I mirror the sentiments written before me. I too began my fight against CF stemming from a long time friendship with Jenny and Rick. Jenny and I met at Christ the King, and have remained like sisters ever since. I always knew Jenny was strong. I’ve always admired her ability to make it through – no matter what the situation. She’s a rock. She’s funny. She’s passionate. She’s hardworking. She’s inspiring. All qualities that, from day 1, have enabled her to handle the fact that Sal has CF with such grace.
I met Rick when he and Jenny began dating in high school. We were all inseparable for many years… and when I would come home from college for the summer, Ginny Pinardo was kind enough to let me basically live at her house. Even back then, Rick was always the man in charge. He always had a plan and a “to-do” list. He was known to have The Book of Hoyle on hand to make sure we were playing (usually Euchre) by the rules. He was the man of the house at a young age… While we were lounging around his pool, he was up at the crack of dawn going to work. He always took care of us… and people always looked up to him. Whether he knew it or not, he took on this leading role with a sincere sense of humanity. He always welcomed people in, the more the merrier… And he always had a good time, no matter where we were or what we were doing. These too are qualities that I think still hold true to this day, and are very evident to all of us involved with Sal’s Pals.
Fast Forward to the day Sal was diagnosed: I remember slamming down my phone, rushing out my office door and speeding to the hospital and walking into the ICU – surveying the room. I remember feeling helpless. Not even knowing what CF was, I just knew it was bad. I heard that life expectancy was very young, and my mind couldn’t help but immediately think of unimaginable pain, and loss for my dear friends and their sweet baby boy. Rick and I went outside to take a walk, and I remember the heart-breaking conversation of a father’s hopes and dreams for his son… to grow up strong, healthy and happy, and to one day play football. It’s kind of ironic – because now, here we are 10 years later, and this blog site has a specific post of Sal in a football uniform… playing tackle football with his dad standing proud on the sidelines…
From that day on, Jenny and Rick have handled this situation true to character. Strong. Passionate. Inspiring. They made a plan. A plan to fight. A plan to raise money. A plan to give hope. They have made the ultimate “to-do” list, taken charge, worked hard; and because of their magnetic sprits have created a following of dedicated supporters. People who love Sal. People with will and drive and passion. People who have dedicated themselves to finding a cure for Sal and so many others. And in this journey of giving, I think I speak for all of us when I say that I have been given SO much more than I could’ve ever imagined. After the very first Sal’s Pals Dinner Auction we had at the Elks on Holland Sylvania Avenue… I remember I emailed Jenny and Rick thanking them for letting me be part of such a fun and inspiring event. I told them that Sal’s Pals had changed me. At the time that I wrote that email, I had no idea just how much we would all continue to be changed, and grow in this fight against CF.
The day after Memorial Day this year, I was summonsed to Jury Duty. I was there for a VERY LONG 8 hours praying I would get sent home… that is until I made a friend in a crowd of strangers… A woman who saw my orange Sal’s Pals bracelet and knows someone who comes to our events. By the end of our discussion, she gave me her email address so that I could let her know when the next event was going to be so that she and her husband can attend… The point is: We have expanded our footprint within the fight against CF. Now, almost 10 years later, people in our community know what Sal’s Pals is. Even if they’ve never been to an event, or even if they don’t know Sal. Every time this happens, I get excited and more motivated to keep pushing to create awareness and support for our cause.
The beauty of Sal’s Pals, in my opinion is that we started out a small “grass-roots” type operation, and have turned it into what is now: one of the largest fund raising groups for CF in the country. Over one-half a MILLION dollars raised – and counting! This money has gone to research for medications that by all reports have made significant strides in the battle to cure CF. These medications have improved the quality of life for those with CF. But most important, these developments have motivated us, as a group, to fight harder than ever to spread awareness, raise money, and find a cure. Our determination is steadfast. We will NOT ever stop working until we reach our goal.
For me personally, I have learned an important life lesson because of my involvement with Sal’s Pals: Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. In the beginning, I remember being apprehensive to ask people to donate to Sal’s Pals. But this process, and watching my fellow committee members in action have showed me that when you have passion, and want to do good in the world – people want to help. So, it’s not about asking for money… it’s about spreading that passion in order to create change. So, to all of you who have given your time, or your hard earned dollars – Thank you! Your contributions have not only helped the CF Foundation. Your generosity has opened my eyes and my heart to see the real good that lies within us as people.
Jenny and Rick: You are both truly two of the greatest people I have ever known… and I thank you for your friendship, your leadership, and your commitment to the CFF. Being a part of Sal’s Pals is one of the most meaningful experiences that I will ever have in my life. Sal: You are an inspiration. Getting a ring-side seat to watch you grow up has been a true joy in my life. You are so funny and resilient… and you make it easy for people to want to give. You are loved by so many!!!! It is because of you that we started this journey… and in doing so, countless lives have been impacted… and in the end, countless lives will be saved!

Until there’s a cure,
Erin Dzierwa

Tattoo Party to benefit Sal's Pals

Toledo Tattoo Company/Tattoo For A Cure
Saturday, August 13, 2011

Toledo Tattoo Company-
401 Superior
Rossford, OH

Toledo Tattoo Company would like to Invite you to our First EVER Tattooing for a Cure and open house at our NEW Rossford studio. All proceeds and donations go to Sal's Pals ( Cystic Fibrosis Foundation). Hope to See you there!!! Also, if you would like work done on this day, please contact us ASAP! Thank you! (419) 720-1100

Annie and Lena's Kiddie Carnival
Saturday July 9th
4937 Rudgate Toledo, Ohio

***$15 for a family which includes dinner. There will be games, tie dye, water slides, face painting and much more!Come join us for some family fun Saturday!

2011 charity dinner and auction

Well after 9 years we finally have this thing down! We have raised an unbelievable one-hundred,five-thousand dollars for 2011 and the donations keep coming in. Nine years ago when we entered into this journey we call fundraising the life expectancy for those with cystic fibrosis was a measly 25 years old. Now today the life expectancy is 37 years of age. 37 still isn't long enough but the amount of drugs and treatments available today has more than quadrupled since we had our first event. The newest drug on the horizon is aimed at the basic defect and the initial research is very promising.This means cf patients could take a pill to lesson the affects of their disease and ultimately live long productive lives free of the cruelty that cf leaves behind. So when you hear,"dollars buy science and science buys life for those with cystic fibrosis", Sal is living proof that these dollars are providing the necessary drugs and treatments that are keeping him healthy and strong.
Thanks so much to our committee and all of our volunteers for sharing of your time and talents. Special congrats to Erin Dzierwa and Angie O'Loughlin who are the 2011 Spirit of Humanity award winners. Dan Haffner of Haffner Florists and Jean and Joe Papp were honored this year for Sponsoring the Sal's Pals Event every year since it's existence.New friends of Sal's Pals, all the way from New York are The Cassalina Family. Margarete and Marc have two children with cystic fibrosis and have dedicated their lives to finding a cure. Margarete's book, Beyond Breathing gives us an account of her life's journey with cystic fibrosis. It's an amazing story and your life will surely be changed from reading this treasure. Margarete came all the way from New York to be our guest speaker and the audiance loved her!

Bp Oil and UPS Auto Logistics continue to be Title Sponsors for the Event. Both companies recently finished their respective golf outings and continue to help us in our fight against cf. Special thanks to Terry Jiannuzzi from BP, Jeremy Reinhart and Dave Sprock from UPS. These gentlemen continue to influence the individuals around them and help spread awareness of cystic fibrosis that in turn leads to funds for vital research. Thank you could never be enough for all that you do but I know that's not what motivates you!But I will say it any way, Thanks for all of your hard work and preparation in planning the golf outings.

Annie and Lena's Kiddie Carnival is coming up next! We hope you can join us!