A Fundraiser to Help Cure Cystic Fibrosis

 A spaghetti dinner fundraiser was held to help raise money for the cystic fibrosis foundation in honor of a local boy.

11 month old Conlee Handshy was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was only two weeks old and ever since has received a lot of help from the C-F foundation. Conlee’s mother Kristina Handshy said they’re raising money to donate to the C-F foundation to help find a cure.

"Basically they fund the research and all the new medications that come about, it’s really impressive. I think in 1989 they actually were able to find that specific gene that causes it. Just recently they came out with a medication that would actually help his specific mutation. When he is old enough he’ll be able to take that. It’ll help his lung function from declining. It’s not a cure but, it’s close. We’re getting there," said Kristina Handshy.

Kristina said the average life expectancy for a person with C-F is 40 years old. That’s why Kristina and her family embrace each day with Conlee while they try to help make a difference with others who also suffer with the illness.

"It’s really kind of scary when the doctors are telling you that your kid will probably not out live you it really makes you think. It makes you want to make their life the best you possibly can and do things like this to help make their life longer, happier, and healthier," said Handshy.

If you weren’t able to make it out you can still donate visit cff.org and search for ‘Conlee’s Crew’.