A group of 50 people rang in the new year by running into the sub-50-degree Atlantic Ocean in support of Changing Futures, a foundation raising money and awareness for cystic fibrosis (CF).
What began as a group of Lynnfield fathers taking long-distance bike rides to support different CF causes quickly became a foundation of its own. Over time the fathers found that while CF patients live longer, they also face previously understudied gastrointestinal complications.
CF is a genetic disorder that affects the body’s mucus-producing glands, causing the production of thick, sticky mucus that can clog and damage organs, particularly the lungs and pancreas. While it’s a rare disorder with less than 200,000 cases per year in the US, there is currently no cure for it. Treatments will only help manage the symptoms and improve quality of life.
After the idea for Changing Futures began to come to life, the fathers partnered with Dr. Steven Freedman of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School to research these gastrointestinal complications.
Changing Futures utilizes a micro-fundraising approach by using small donations that add up over time through the efforts of families and community members. Through events like the “Freeze for a Future” polar plunge, Changing Futures raises significant funds to contribute to change.
On New Year’s Day, Freedman, the Changing Futures Foundation, and numerous supporters came together to take on the chilly waters at Devereaux Beach.
“This was my first water plunge ever, but I was really impressed by the turnout and that’s what really motivated me to get in this,” said Mike Weiss, one of the founders of Changing Futures.
Weiss is among seven other members of the Changing Futures team who helps lead strategic initiatives and creates partnerships to drive impactful research for CF patients.
The event provided food and warm beverages for after the plunge. Purple roses were then to hand out to all of the participants. The color purple represents CF and many children struggle to say the words “cystic fibrosis.” Therefore, children say “sixty-nine roses.”
The event ended up raising over $8,000 for CF research and was a great success according to Weiss.
More information on the Changing Futures Foundation and how to get involved can be found at changingfuturesnow.org