Great Strides ‘25 and a L'il bit of Rose Ball for Cystic Fibrosis

GiveBackGirls
Jul 18
2 min read

Give Back Girls on beach ledge at Great Strides event for Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at Madison Yacht Club in Madison Connecticut — GBGs Michelle, Arlene, Angie, and Johanna at Madison Yacht Club

The cystic fibrosis foundation has become an organization the Give Back Girls (GBGS) are driven to support. The impressive progress in medication research and development, along with ambitious future goals for the CF warrior community has the GBGs returning to lend a hand.

Give Back Girls with Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Team member, Diane Perillo putting out signs for the Great Strikes teams — GBGs Arlene and Michelle with CFF Chapter Member, Diane Perillo

The Great Strides events have been attended by the GBGs in multiple CF communities, including New London, West Haven, and Madison, Connecticut. This participation, along with assisting with the Rose Ball set up, has earned us the volunteer recognition award from this Foundation in 2024. While that was an honor, it is knowing that our hands have helped move the goals for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation forward a little bit more.

At the Great Strides events, we’ve been asked to do such things as check walkers in, help with set up, and pass out T-shirts. There is also a food table that we have helped set up, breakdown, and distribute the leftovers.

cystic Fibrosis Connecticut chapter team member, Pam Chudzik putting out sign for Great Strides event — CF CT Chapter Team Member Pam Chudzik

The Chapter Team that run this event are amazing and have a smooth operation utilizing all of their volunteers efficiently. A shout out to Dawn, Pam, and Diane, who are always available for questions and pointing out the next task needed!!

These events are well attended and are actually a fantastic opportunity for the CF community to come together as one. The walkers are incredibly supportive; as if each, and every warrior belongs to the whole community. The love is palpable, another reason the Give Back Girls appreciate being at these events.

One day in November, I received a message that Help was needed to set up the Rose ball on a last-minute basis. The girls all had plans and my anniversary happened to be on the day that was needed. While it would’ve been easy to decline, I thought of those warriors that may not have the opportunity to celebrate the anniversary that I was privileged to be celebrating. So I drove the 50 miles to Hartford, partnered up with about another volunteer, and decorated all of the tables.