Tony Daversa
I hike and do anything I can to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis in honor of my sister Erica, who passed away in 1995 at the age of 16 from this horrible disease. Erica was a beautiful person inside and out, she would light up a room with her smile. She made a lasting impression on everyone who knew or met her during her much too short time in our lives. Erica continues to be my inspiration to be a good person and to live a meaningful life.
My mom is the one who started "Keep Smiling" as she wanted to keep things upbeat and positive as Erica was in and out of the hospital throughout the year. You see, back then we didn't have the high-tech advancements to treat CF we do now. So my mom had to literally beat on Erica's back and chest to loosen the mucous from her lungs that she would then cough up, allowing her to breathe. Erica had to endure this physical therapy several times a day, as well as several pills and medications just to keep her going. Don't forget the constant prodding and sticking of needles when Erica was in the hospital or clinic 3-5 times a year.
Erica was a true warrior, stronger than most people I've ever known. Despite everything she had to deal with, she remained positive, shining that beautiful smile. Erica loved babies and there's no doubt she would be the best mom ever, not to mention the best aunt to our two children. Erica also wanted to be a nurse, so she could be the one to administer needles to kids and find their veins on the first attempt, limiting their pain, something she had trouble with since her arms and veins were so small.
This will be my 11th year hiking in the VA Xtreme Hike. I hike for Erica and every other person and family battling Cystic Fibrosis. I will continue to hike, walk, bike, paddle, and do whatever it takes until there's a cure. Speaking of which, we're so close. Your donations are making a difference. In the past 5 years there have been tremendous advancements which help people living with CF lead healthier and more productive lives.
Please continue to donate what you can, share my story, help spread awareness and knowledge, and together we can make CF stand for Cure Found. With all of my heart, thank you!
Keep Smiling!
My mom is the one who started "Keep Smiling" as she wanted to keep things upbeat and positive as Erica was in and out of the hospital throughout the year. You see, back then we didn't have the high-tech advancements to treat CF we do now. So my mom had to literally beat on Erica's back and chest to loosen the mucous from her lungs that she would then cough up, allowing her to breathe. Erica had to endure this physical therapy several times a day, as well as several pills and medications just to keep her going. Don't forget the constant prodding and sticking of needles when Erica was in the hospital or clinic 3-5 times a year.
Erica was a true warrior, stronger than most people I've ever known. Despite everything she had to deal with, she remained positive, shining that beautiful smile. Erica loved babies and there's no doubt she would be the best mom ever, not to mention the best aunt to our two children. Erica also wanted to be a nurse, so she could be the one to administer needles to kids and find their veins on the first attempt, limiting their pain, something she had trouble with since her arms and veins were so small.
This will be my 11th year hiking in the VA Xtreme Hike. I hike for Erica and every other person and family battling Cystic Fibrosis. I will continue to hike, walk, bike, paddle, and do whatever it takes until there's a cure. Speaking of which, we're so close. Your donations are making a difference. In the past 5 years there have been tremendous advancements which help people living with CF lead healthier and more productive lives.
Please continue to donate what you can, share my story, help spread awareness and knowledge, and together we can make CF stand for Cure Found. With all of my heart, thank you!
Keep Smiling!
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