Columbus, OH 43229
October 27, 1999
Cystic Fibrosis Update - Bowl-For-Breath Fund-Raiser Ends November 21, 1999
Dear Friends,
Life is never dull at the Pace's! Brent continues his work as an environmental engineer at the BP Chemical plant in Lima. Derik graduated with an Associate degree in Culinary Arts from Hocking College in September. He now works at the New Albany Country Club.
While the boys were growing up we tried to encourage self-discipline in the management of their health care. We're pleased to see they have taken this responsibility seriously. Linda is especially pleased that they now take care of their own medical "paper work"!
Incidentally, we have a NEW member to the Pace "Bowl-for-Breath" team. Derik's fiancée, Misty McIntosh will be bowling this year. (Their wedding will be a Y2K event!!)
It seems each year we have a new "term" to relay to you regarding the ongoing developments and changes in Brent and Derik's treatments for CF. In the past we've told you about "pancreatic enzymes" (help them digest food), "Pulmozyme" (Drano for the lungs to break up the mucous), the "ThAIRapy Vest" (allows them to do their postural drainage without assistance). These are the things that help our boys live each day. They came about through research which, among other things, included identification of the defective gene for CF in 1989, closely followed in 1990 by the discovery that CF cells could be modified to work normally by correcting the defective gene.
This year, the new term is "TOBI". This is a highly concentrated form of the antibiotic Tobramycin (TOBramycin for Inhalation) for postural drainage. This antibiotic is very expensive, however insurance companies have willingly subsidized payment for this drug because it significantly reduces the number of hospitalizations resulting from pulmonary infections.
All of these discoveries have helped CF patients live longer and more productive lives (the average life expectancy is now 32). But we STILL don't have a cure and CF children and adults die every year after long and debilitating illnesses.
For 21 years your contributions have enabled our sons and others with CF to live. We can never repay you for your sacrifice. Instead, we ask you to help us once again. Please continue your support by sending us a check payable to the "Cystic Fibrosis Foundation" by November 21, 1999.
With MUCH Love and Thanks,
Jim, Linda, Brent, Derik and Misty