The Knoxville Chapter of The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is selling roses as part of its third annual 65 Roses Valentine’s Day sale.
The organization is taking orders from now through Friday. The organization will deliver a dozen roses to the person of your choice for $50 dollars, half of which is tax deductible.
Blue Branton, director of development of the Knoxville Chapter, came up with the idea for the sale three years ago.
“It just seemed like a great thing,” Branton said. “Not only are you doing something nice for a loved one, but also you are supporting a good cause at the same time.”
The goal this year is to sell 100 dozen roses. All proceeds from the sale will go directly to medical research for cystic fibrosis.
“The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is known for spending its money wisely, literally operating on a dime, meaning that on average 90 cents of every dollar raised goes directly towards medical research,” Branton said.
“65 Roses” is what some children call the disease because it is easier to pronounce.
“The story behind the 65 Roses is actually quite touching,” said Allissa Hosten, medical writer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In 1965 a woman named Mary Weiss became a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis foundation when she learned her three boys had the disease. One day, Mary’s four-year-old son Richard told his mom, “I know what you are working for.” According to the story, when Mary asked him what that was, he replied “You are working for 65 Roses.” The name eventually stuck, and the rose became the symbol of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Cystic Fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. There are more than 1,500 people diagnosed with CF in Tennessee. The characteristic symptom is the buildup of mucus in the lungs and digestive tract, Hosten said. These infections can lead to scar tissue formation, forcing many patients to undergo lung transplants to survive.
Individual steps involved with treating the disease include taking enzyme supplements and antibiotics. Part of the daily treatment regimen is chest physical therapy. This involves clapping on the back and chest to loosen mucus from airways, Hosten said.
In 1955, the average lifespan for a person with CF was five to six years. Now it is 35 years, Meredith Heindrichs, director of special events in the Nashville Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, said.
To order roses, contact the Knoxville Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at 583-0355 or e-mail at [email protected].
