ABOUT CYSTIC FIBROSIS
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited, chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 800 children and adults in Georgia, 30,000 individuals in the United States, and 70,000 people worldwide.

In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical care have enhanced and extended the lives of children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can expect now to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

ABOUT 65ROSES
Why “65 Roses?” In 1965 a little boy with cystic fibrosis couldn’t pronounce the name of his illness. In his four year old world he had something he called “65 roses,” and since then his simple mispronunciation has come to stand for much more than a large bouquet of beautiful flowers. Over the years the cystic fibrosis community has adopted the phrase for fundraisers … and just for fun. Click here for the full 65 Roses story.

Why Team 65ROSES?
In the fall of 2006, two pediatric pulmonologists, cystic fibrosis physicians from Atlanta who were training together for the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon, had an idea. The race was only a few weeks away when they discussed doing something special for their CF patients. Their initial conversation, held during a training run, marked the start of 65ROSES, a team of people dedicated to walking or running a half marathon or marathon.

On March 25, 2007, over 100 runners and walkers, including cystic fibrosis family members, CF caregivers, and one person with CF, wearing Carolina blue 65ROSES team shirts, raced through Atlanta neighborhoods in the inaugural ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis, support people with the disease, and connect with family members along the course.

The 65ROSES story continues, as we plan to field a larger team to take to the streets of Atlanta in the fourth annual ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon on March 21, 2010.