A Message from the Director
I’ve decided to combine my desire to help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis and the enjoyment Bluegrass music has given me since the 1970’s. The outcome is “Pickin’ on Cystic Fibrosis,” the first of hopefully many shows to be held at the Dogwood Center in Fremont, Michigan.
In 1986 our son Joshua was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). We had no idea what this disease was or what it would entail. Since that day we have learned the daily struggles these children, and now young adults, have to deal with. When we were informed Josh had CF, they told us he would not live long enough to finish school. Today he is in his second year of college and works part time. He still has to battle with his many daily treatments, but is able to do most anything he likes.
In the past 20 years there has been much progress in the treatment of CF, but there still is no cure. The median age for patients with CF is now around 36 years of age. That is a great improvement -- but not good enough. One of the biggest issues with CF research is there are not enough CF patients. Drug companies do not like to make a huge investment in research if there is no large return for them. That is where we come in.
The profits from “Pickin’ on Cystic Fibrosis,” will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF).
I would like to thank all the volunteers and sponsors that are helping with this event; I could not do it without you. And a very special thank you to the musicians that are playing for “Pickin’ on Cystic Fibrosis.” They are truly the best Michigan has to offer.
Sincerely,
Jimmy Kittle