This year at PersaCon we are participating in taking donations for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. As many of you may remember; in 2008 we lost one of our close friends to a lifelong battle with Cystic Fibrosis. We thoroughly believe that with further research, the CFF can help to extend the lives of people living iwth CF, and maybe one day even have a cure.

At PersaCon you will have multiple chances to donate. These places are:

Registration/Badge Pick-Up: You can donate any amount of money at the registration desk any time during it's hours of operaton.

Main Room/Panel Room: During any desginated event, you can donate at the Main Room or Panel Room. Events including donation abilities will be noted in your program book.

SeeD Graduation Ball: We will be selling roses at the ball, and all of the proceeds from the roses will go directly to the CFF. You may also donate without having to purchase a rose. The rose is a common symbol for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. To see why, please read their following story "65 Roses"...

The Story of 65 Roses®

65 Roses® is what some children with CF call their disease because the words are much easier for them to pronounce. Mary G. Weiss became a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 1965 after learning that her three little boys had CF. Her duty was to call every civic club, social and service organization seeking financial support for CF research. Mary's 4-year old son, Richard, listened closely to his mother as she made each call. After several calls, Richard came into the room and told his Mom, "I know what you are working for." Mary was dumbstruck because Richard did not know what she was doing, nor did he know that he had cystic fibrosis. With some trepidation, Mary posed the question, "What am I working for, Richard?" "You are working for 65 Roses," he answered so sweetly. Mary was speechless. She went over to him and tenderly pressed his body to hers. He could not see the tears running down Mary's cheeks as she stammered, "Yes Richard, I'm working for 65 Roses."

Since 1965, the term "65 Roses" has been used by children of all ages to describe their disease. But, making it easier to say, does not make CF any easier to live with. The "65 Roses" story has captured the hearts and emotions of all who have heard it. The rose, appropriately the ancient symbol of love, has become a symbol of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

"65 Roses® " is a registered trademark of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

So please join us in our efforts to help make great strides in Cystic Fibrosis research!