Cystic fibrosis selfie campaign to support research for a cure
For people with cystic fibrosis, running can be a critical component of their daily physiotherapy, helping them in their lifelong battle against the disease.
However, exercise is just a small part of the daily regime for those living with cystic fibrosis. For most that regime will include antibiotics, vitamins, physiotherapy, taking enzymes with every meal (in order to be able to digest fats), plus regular clinic visits and hospitalisations. Even then many will struggle to maintain a normal lung function.
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a life-shortening genetic condition – only half live to celebrate their 40th birthday. It causes the internal organs, especially the lungs and digestive system, to become clogged with thick sticky mucus, resulting in chronic infections and inflammation of the lungs.
Will you take part in the Strawfie Challenge?
A new selfie campaign has the aim of spreading awareness about cystic fibrosis to the general public and because of the exercise link, the organisers of the campaign would love members of the runbritain community to show their support by taking part in the Breathe With Me Strawfie Challenge.
Experiencing a sensation has so much more impact that just being told how it feels. So the Breathe With Me Strawfie Challenge is asking people to try breathing with the reduced lung capacity that many people with cystic fibrosis experience as their disease progresses.
The way to do this is very simple and it will only take a minute to try. Take a narrow drinking straw, seal your lips around it, pinch your nose (or use a noseclip) and try breathing just through the straw for 60 seconds.
To spread awareness about cystic fibrosis and help raise funds for vital research, take a selfie of yourself performing the straw breathing exercise (a Strawfie!) and post it on our facebook page or other social media. If possible make a donation by texting BWCF64 £(amount) to 70070 - you can donate as little as £1.00 and then nominate three friends/companies/clubs to take part in the challenge.
If you also post a comment about how the experience made you feel, your contribution to this worthwhile campaign will have even more impact.
By the time National Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Week is upon us (6th -14th June) we hope that thousands of people will have taken part.
If you are part of a running group, can you organise a group Strawfie? Even a donation of £1.00 between the whole group will be welcomed. Please tag the Breathe-With-Me-Strawfie-Challenge Facebook page when posting your Strawfies: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Breathe-With-Me-Strawfie-Challenge/1518322021726017
Also see the website www.breathewithme.info
There is a link to the campaign song Breathe With Me on the website.