A woman by the name of Mary G. Weiss became a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 1965, after learning that her three boys had CF. She was responsible for calling various organizations seeking financial support for cystic fibrosis research. Mary's 4-year-old son, Richard, listened to her calls and said, "I know what you are working for." Mary asked, "What am I working for, Richard?" He answered, "You are working for 65 Roses."
From that point on, the term "65 Roses" has been used by children of all ages to describe their disease. The rose, appropriately the ancient symbol of love, has become a symbol of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The irony in this is the fact that we gave Ellis the middle name of Rose without knowing that it was the symbol for the CFF and how it would be a part of our lives forever.
Hello! I found your blog through googling 65 roses! The wild thing is my daughter, Ivy, was ALSO diagnosed with CF on 11/4/10 at the age of 2 months. You can meet Ivy here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=viHlbOPVjtU
ReplyDeleteEllis is beautiful! I hope she is doing well!
We have launched a campaign where we are trying to raise $500 from every state. As money comes in we are shading in the states on our website: www.fivehundredfromfifty.com. Would you please help us spread the word with your friends and family and help us continue turning the USA purple? You can also check out our FB page at www.facebook.com/ivysleaguefightingCF.
Praying for Ellis, Ivy, and all who fight this terrible disease...and that a cure will be found soon! God bless!
Hi Julie,
DeleteIvy is a cutie! I love the campaign you are running and will see what I can do to help. Great idea!
Ivy will be added to our prayer list, all the best to you and yours!
-Kristina