How much do you know about Cystic Fibrosis? Chances are, not that much. Our Director of Marketing & Accounts, Chance Heflin, wants to change that!
For the third year in a row Chance is actively raising funds for the Charlotte Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF). Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. Unfortunately, it’s a disease that doesn’t get any federal funding, so those struggling with CF rely solely on the amazing work of volunteers.
One of the Foundation’s biggest events is the annual Guys & Dolls Gala. In her first year participating, Chance was the top “doll” fundraiser, collecting nearly $9,000 through silent and live auction items and acting as a “doll” for the event. The Foundation recognized her hard work with an award for Outstanding Service and Dedication. Her second year she became a committee member and took on the role of mentoring other participants while also traveling to D.C. for the Volunteer Leadership Conference with other volunteers, CF families, and CFF employees. This year, she’s taking on a new and exciting role! She has signed on to be one of four co-chairs for Guys & Dolls as the Chair of Team Jude, a team she’s been a part of for all of her Guys & Dolls participation. As the chair, her roles include:
- Partnering with CFF to achieve their financial goal for 2017, while working towards a personal fundraising goal
- Recruitment for event committees and Guys & Dolls participants
- Assuming a leadership role with all event participants
- Acting as a liaison between her team and their CF family (Jude). This includes setting up a day for the team to meet Jude and his family
- Understanding and spreading the mission of CFF
Above all else, Chance’s goal is to spread awareness about a disease that doesn’t get much attention. While monetary donations are always welcome, it’s just as important to get the word out. Advocating for Cystic Fibrosis is just as important as the funds raised to help find a cure.
To kick off her fundraising for the year, Chance and her son Pierceson will be hosting a lemonade stand and bake sale on August 6. The event will take place in Charlotte at the Park Road Shopping Center. Even as an 8-year-old Pierceson is learning the importance of doing what you can to help those in need. Make sure to come out next month a buy some delicious baked goods for a great cause. And if you can’t make it out, any donations of baked goods are greatly appreciated. After all, there’s only so many cookies you can make in one oven! Let’s make CF stand for ‘Cure Found’!