(Featured photo: A runner carries a 65ROSES flag from the February 2023 Augusta Half Marathon, Mike Adams/Augusta Good News)
A team of runners will take on the Augusta Half Marathon/10K/5k Feb. 24 to raise money for children like Emma Fulghum and Peyton Harley.
Emma’s day starts off a little differently from that of most other 13-year-olds.
A handful of medications and a breathing treatment that includes the use of a vest that performs chest compressions while Emma inhales three different medications are additional steps she takes. The treatment can take about 45 minutes.
Emma has cystic fibrosis, a condition that causes thick mucus to build up inside her lungs. That build-up can clog airways and trap bacteria, leading to possible infection, inflammation, respiratory failure and other complications, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
“Some days are hectic, especially when Emma is sick, it is stressful making sure that we get all the extra treatments in, in hopes that we can avoid a hospital stay,” according to her mom, Renee.
Hospitalizations aren’t uncommon for children with CF, and the Fulghums often run out of vacation time and sick leave when needing to care for Emma.
Members of the 65ROSES Team will participate Saturday to raise money for children like Emma through a critical needs grant through the Miles for CF program.
“Miles for CF has helped our family lessen the burden when we are stretched a little thin,” Renee Fulghum said.
The grant provides financial assistance to patients and families throughout the year, according to Susanne’ Muenzel, a social worker at the Children’s Hospital of Georgia who started racing with 65ROSES team in 2013. The team has been together since 2012.
The Harley family is another grant recipient. Peyton is 14 and was diagnosed at birth.
“In the past year, Peyton has been in the hospital twice,” wrote Rebecca Harley. “The last time was three weeks. The doctor visits and hospital stays have impacted the family financially and emotionally. Taking care of a CF patient really is a full-time job within itself. Making sure treatments and medications are taken on time and the cleaning and sanitizing of equipment daily is a process. The travel expenses to and from the doctors and the high-calorie diet accommodation can take a big bite out of the family finances. With God’s help and organizations like Miles for CF, we were able to make it through.”
Funds raised by Team 65ROSS for the Augusta event stay in the Augusta area supporting those patients and families who receive treatment and support from Children’s Hospital of Georgia and the Augusta University CF Care Center. Team 65ROSES Augusta has raised over $135,000 since 2012, according to the team’s fundraising page.
The team hopes to raise $15,000 in this year’s event.
To donate, go here.
Charmain Z. Brackett, the publisher of Augusta Good News and Inspiring: Women of Augusta, has covered Augusta’s news for 35 years. Reach her at charmain@augustagoodnews.com. Sign up for the newsletter here.
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