NEW YORK & SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF) today announced that its cystic fibrosis (CF) ambassador, Jerry Cahill, and Emily Schaller, a CF patient who started cycling, running and exercising in 2007 when she was introduced to Jerry’s story, will participate in the organization’s 3rd Annual Bike to Breathe event. This year, they will be cycling along the West Coast starting in San Francisco and ending in San Diego, which covers an astonishing 600 miles. On June 27, 2016, Jerry turned 60-years-old – a milestone for people with CF. As a survivor of a double-lung transplant, he continues to spread the message of “you cannot fail.”
“We are excited to host the 2016 Bike to Breathe event on the West Coast. It is our hope that this ride will inspire people with CF to live an active life and reinforce that they can achieve whatever they put their mind to,” said Jerry Cahill.
CF patients spend a great deal of time maintaining rigorous treatment routines that can include aerosolized steroids and bronchodilators, wearing vibrating vests to stimulate mucus and many pills that range from vitamins, to pancreatic enzymes, to natural supplements, and various antibiotics. Due to the excess mucus build up, a CF patient’s lungs often conceal antibiotic-resistant bacteria that challenge their bodies on a daily basis.
Jerry’s Bike to Breathe West Coast ride is a key milestone in his 60:60 adventure. To celebrate his 60th year, Jerry will be completing 60 events on his “living list,” the alternative to a traditional bucket list. Jerry’s mission is to raise $3 million to support people living with cystic fibrosis through scholarships, education and research. To learn more, please visit http://www.esiason.org/60-60, and connect with us on Twitter (@cysticfibrosis, @YouCannotFail and @jcahillYCF) using the hashtag #LivingList.
About Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic Fibrosis is a chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. The mucus also obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
About Jerry Cahill
Jerry Cahill lives and succeeds in spite of his medical limitations. At 60 years old, he has overcome remarkable odds and has become living, breathing proof that people with CF can have a normal life through firm commitment to exercise and medical compliance.
Currently a CF Ambassador at the Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF), Cahill leads its scholarship and grants division and is the founder of Team Boomer – the athletic arm of BEF dedicated to encouraging exercise among CF patients while simultaneously raising money for scholarships. He has also started the program “You Cannot Fail,” which includes apparel, a website, an autobiographical coffee table book, and two children's books. On top of all of this, he records educational podcasts and videos and encourages other people with CF to share their stories on Club CF.
Jerry believes that exercise is the single most important thing in his life that keeps him healthy with CF. Follow Jerry on Jerry Cahill's Cystic Fibrosis Podcast.
About the Boomer Esiason Foundation
Founded in 1993 by Boomer Esiason and his wife, Cheryl, after their son was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, the Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF) works to ensure that people living with CF and their loved ones are encouraged, empowered and educated to take an active role in treating the disease. BEF aids the CF community through fundraising, programs, scholarships, transplant grants and educational resources. The passionate work of a committed core of volunteers alongside leaders in the medical and business communities allows BEF to raise awareness, money and quality of life for those affected by this deadly disease.
For more information, visit to www.esiason.org.
