Get 65 Roses Gala -2012 Donor Contract

The 65 Roses Gala is a chance for our community of co-workers, friends, and family unite for one primary reason - to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.

The international symbol of CF are the sixty-five roses, due to the similarity in pronunciation. However, of the six organ locations affected - lungs, liver, pancreas, intestines, skin, and kidneys, only five are discussed in depth in the scientific literature [1-4].

Sporotrichosis ("rose gardener's disease") is a fungal skin infection caused by Sporothrix, a fungus that lives in soil and on plants. It affects both people and animals. People get infected when Sporothrix gets in cuts or scrapes.

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic, progressive disease that has no cure yet and affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. The disease leaves those suffering with it susceptible to persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time.

CF is the most common inherited fatal disease among the Caucasian population in the United States, with an incidence of ∼1 in 2,500 births. Currently, ∼30,000 people live with CF in the US, and life expectancy is only ∼32 years.

Cystic fibrosis, also known as mucoviscidosis, CF, and 65 roses, is an obstructive lung condition a person may get from their parents. It makes the body produce thick, sticky mucus, which builds up in the lungs, the digestive system, pancreas, and other parts of the body. It also affects the bones.

The "65 Roses" story dates back to 1965 when an observant 4-year-old, Richard "Ricky" Weiss, hearing the name of his disease for the first time, pronounced cystic fibrosis as "65 Roses." Today, "65 Roses" is a term often used by young children with cystic fibrosis to pronounce the name of their disease.

"65 roses" is how some children refer to their condition since cystic fibrosis is difficult for a young child to say. '65 Roses' is also a trademarked phrase by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to help control its use. It is a very helpful way for young children to understand.