My Breathe Team Story
Michael Collopy
Michael Collopy
I'm excited to share that I’ll be participating in my second run in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, this time in my hometown of Atlanta during the Publix Half Marathon.
As some of you know, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a cause that is incredibly close to my heart. My father had three brothers diagnosed with CF in the 1950s. Billy lived to the age of 5, David to 6, and Michael lived an extraordinary 17 years—a feat during that era for someone with CF. Michael Patrick Collopy was the first to bear the name I now carry, and though his life was short, it was filled with resilience and love.
My grandmother was a passionate advocate for CF awareness. She served as a founder and president of the Mohawk Chapter in the 1960s and later shared her experiences in her memoir, My Children, My Children (2005). Her stories, and those of my family, shaped my perspective on health, family, and what truly matters.
In simple terms, CF is like living with a severe sinus infection every day—affecting breathing, eating, and the immune system. Fortunately, due to groundbreaking medications, many of these challenges have been significantly alleviated for those living with CF today. However, the fight isn’t over. CF is a complex disease, with different strains impacting individuals in varying ways. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation remains dedicated to finding a cure and ensuring every individual with CF has access to treatments that improve their quality of life and longevity.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has an incredible track record of success. Thanks to their research and advocacy, life expectancy and quality of life for people with CF have improved dramatically since my uncles’ time. From a financial perspective, they are a highly-rated charity, holding a 4-star rating for fiscal responsibility from Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the United States. Their innovative model supports both cutting-edge research and the families impacted by CF.
I’m looking forward to attempting to keep up with Katrina during the half marathon, all while raising awareness and resources for this incredible cause. If you feel moved to contribute, I would be deeply grateful. Regardless, thank you for taking the time to read my family’s story.
Here is a look at Katrina's page:
https://fundraise.cff.org/AtlantaBreatheTeam/KatAndMikeRUNforCFF
As some of you know, Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is a cause that is incredibly close to my heart. My father had three brothers diagnosed with CF in the 1950s. Billy lived to the age of 5, David to 6, and Michael lived an extraordinary 17 years—a feat during that era for someone with CF. Michael Patrick Collopy was the first to bear the name I now carry, and though his life was short, it was filled with resilience and love.
My grandmother was a passionate advocate for CF awareness. She served as a founder and president of the Mohawk Chapter in the 1960s and later shared her experiences in her memoir, My Children, My Children (2005). Her stories, and those of my family, shaped my perspective on health, family, and what truly matters.
In simple terms, CF is like living with a severe sinus infection every day—affecting breathing, eating, and the immune system. Fortunately, due to groundbreaking medications, many of these challenges have been significantly alleviated for those living with CF today. However, the fight isn’t over. CF is a complex disease, with different strains impacting individuals in varying ways. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation remains dedicated to finding a cure and ensuring every individual with CF has access to treatments that improve their quality of life and longevity.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has an incredible track record of success. Thanks to their research and advocacy, life expectancy and quality of life for people with CF have improved dramatically since my uncles’ time. From a financial perspective, they are a highly-rated charity, holding a 4-star rating for fiscal responsibility from Charity Navigator, the largest charity evaluator in the United States. Their innovative model supports both cutting-edge research and the families impacted by CF.
I’m looking forward to attempting to keep up with Katrina during the half marathon, all while raising awareness and resources for this incredible cause. If you feel moved to contribute, I would be deeply grateful. Regardless, thank you for taking the time to read my family’s story.
Here is a look at Katrina's page:
https://fundraise.cff.org/AtlantaBreatheTeam/KatAndMikeRUNforCFF
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