by Diana Crandall
The ladies of Delta Phi Epsilon (D Phi E) are challenging cystic fibrosis head on throughout February and March. Passionate about raising money for a cure, supporting patients diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and raising awareness about the disease, Delta Phi Epsilon has already begun to host a variety of events to support the cause and invoke conversation among students on campus.
One of Delta Phi Epsilon’s three philanthropies, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) is a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis. Established in 1955 by volunteers in Philadelphia, CFF has been a pioneer of treatment for cystic fibrosis and has played a major role in both the use and development of therapies analyzed and supported by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA).
Cystic fibrosis, a disease passed down through families and connected to genetics, can be devastating. The body produces abnormally thick, sticky mucus that builds up in the breathing passages of the lungs and in the pancreas. The pancreas is vitally important because of the role it plays and the enzymes it contributes to food absorption, while the buildup of mucus in the lungs has countless detrimental consequences.
Millions of Americans carry the defective gene, but do not have any symptoms because two defective genes (one from each parent) are required to cause cystic fibrosis in an individual. When a baby is born with symptoms of CF, it is important to identify the disease early, as an early diagnosis and a comprehensive treatment plan have shown that quality and length of life can both be enhanced with proper medical treatment.
The ladies of Delta Phi Epsilon understand the importance of treatment and the search of a cure for CF. They are actively taking ahold of campus with various ways of turning heads.
Sporting the popular “Keep Calm” mantra, the women of D Phi E have had T-shirts made that read “Keep Calm, Breathe Easy” with a pink set of lungs on the front to raise awareness about the cause.
“We chose Cystic Fibrosis not only because it is a disease with currently no known cure, but it also affects both men and ladies our age. The life expectancy of people living with Cystic Fibrosis is around 35 and we recognize this as a serious issue. Not only does Delta Phi Epsilon wish to raise money in the hopes of finding a cure but bring awareness to this cause,” Lauren Raymond, philanthropy coordinator for D Phi E, said. “Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that not many people have heard of, especially if you don’t know anyone who suffers from it.”
Delta Phi Epsilon has also paired up in the community with Cosi. On Thursday, Feb. 21, 10% of all purchases made at the Bexley Cosi from 5-10 p.m. will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Aimée DeNoncour, a senior at Capital, has lived with cystic fibrosis her entire life and fully supports the efforts of Delta Phi Epsilon.
“I think that it’s great that a Capital organization is going to be fundraising and increasing awareness for cystic fibrosis. It doesn’t have a lot of exposure in the public, ” DeNoncour said. “Any kind of support towards the CF organization will go a long way. They’ve recently been making really promising strides in research, and the public support could only further that research.”
The efforts of D Phi E come to a head at their second annual 65 Roses Gala, which takes place on Saturday, March 16, at the Boat House Restaurant at Confluence Park.
The Gala is so named because 65 Roses is another name for cystic fibrosis. Young children often have difficulty pronouncing the disease, and simultaneously, the rose, a symbol of love, has become the symbol of cystic fibrosis. The women of Delta Phi Epsilon have also been selling roses throughout their campaign to find a cure for CF.
Tickets for the Gala are $35 and the event will begin at 7:00 p.m. Dinner will be served at 7:30 p.m. Music, entertainment and food will be provided, while a silent auction will be underway to raise funds to research a cure for cystic fibrosis. Anyone interested in attending the event can find information at 65rosesdphie.com, or they can view the Facebook page titled “65 Roses Gala at Capital University.”
“We would like everyone to know that when it comes to a serious disease with no known cure, any bit of help counts towards something. Just $5 can go a long way, especially when everyone pitches in,” Becca Schmidt, leader of coordinating of D Phi E, said. “Delta Phi Epsilon is really looking forward to the day when a cure is found, and we want to be there every step of the way for each new discovery. The saying goes that one day CF will not Stand for Cystic Fibrosis, but Cure Fund. We don’t want this to be just a Delta Phi Epsilon Philanthropy but a whole campus passion as well.”
dcrandal@capital.edu
