MPDCI News
Message from the President
Wow, its spring. Walking into work the other day I could smell worms. Yes, my own little spring time test is the wonderful smell of earth worms surfacing during rain.
At our April board meeting, Mark Levine and Sue Keon brought fresh eyes and suggestions. They both left with some volunteer work too. Thanks we need all the help we can get to raise funds and continue the MPDCI services.
In this newsletter, we are advertising our membership drive. Since the camp closed membership has declined significantly. As a result, the board is looking into the repercussions to our by laws and laws of incorporation. Laura Tillman, one of our board members, volunteered to head the committee to research the impact to MPDCI. While the committee figures this out, please take a moment to look over the materials and consider officially joining MPDCI as a member.
Nort Upson, our Beaver Bash chairperson has scheduled committee meetings for our 3rd annual fundraiser. Anyone who would like to help us plan, coordinate and/or work the event is welcome to attend any and/or all of the meetings. See our calendar of events in this newsletter or contact info@mpdci.org for time and locations.
Alas, our first grant proposal to Gannett was denied. Vicky McDonald, one of our energetic board members, is working to find out why. This information may help us as we continue to apply for grants in the future. Thanks for breaking the ice Vicky, you do an outstanding job.
Kids look for the C.A.R.E. packages coming your way!
Kim Marcus
3rd Annual Beaver Bash 2008
Mark your calendars for the 3rd annual Beaver Bash Fundraiser Dinner and Auction for 2008. This year’s event will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2008, at the newly remodeled Radisson Hotel on 6 mile and 275 in Novi.
Plan on attending this event and enjoy good com- pany, a great meal, lots of fun at both the silent and live auctions and at the same time helping MPDCI raise much needed funds to continue all the pro- grams that we offer to the CF community.
This year’s event will cost $40.00 for the evening with a cash bar. Watch for more details as we move closer to the event.
About Us
It all began with an idea for a summer camp to help kids with Cystic Fibrosis feel normal. That was in 1972 with a long weekend and a handful of kids. Over the years that grew to over 100 kids and 100 staff for a whole week every summer. The summer camp evolved into a Family Retreat which allows for the person with CF and their caregivers a chance for summer fun. As times have changed, so has MPDCI. While we used to only focus on one thing, we are now diversified in many things. That is why we are able offer many avenues of support. Check out the rest of our website to learn more about them. MPDCI is committed to people with CF and want to help as many as we can.
MPDCI Board
MPDCI is governed by a volunteer board of directors and supported by a large membership. The board is made up of dedicated individuals who are willing to serve a two year term. The board meets monthly. Visitors are always welcome to attend the meetings. They are encouraged to take part in discussions. On any given night the board might discuss anything from transplant issues to planning an outing. Email us to find out when and where the meetings are held.
What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a genetic disorder that you are born with. Your body needs water and salt to work and grow. Water and salt move through tiny cells in your body. In people with CF, water and salt can not move through the tiny cells easily which makes it dry. The body then produces thick, "icky, sticky stuff" called mucus. Mucus sticks in your lungs and throat and makes you cough. Mucus is also a friendly home for germs and bacteria which can make you sick. CF is inherited. We all get 2 CF genes from our parents before we are born. We get 1 gene from each parent. We either get a Normal gene - which does not have CF, or we get an Abnormal gene - which has CF. If we get 2 Abnormal genes then we will have CF. Our Parents can NOT control which 2 genes we will get.
Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month
October is Cystic Fibrosis Awareness Month. We are offering this "Purple Pin" To encourage you to show your support for children and adults with cystic fibrosis and their families.
