Cystic fibrosis is a deadly genetic disease for which there is currently no cure. A decade ago, its victims seldom survived into adulthood. Through the years, advances in research, treatments, therapies, and medications have pushed the average life expectancy well into the 30's and even 40's. While this is an incredible milestone, and a tribute to the hard work and dedication of those searching for a cure, it also brings to light another unfortunate burden for the CF patient. As CF patients live longer and longer, the costs of keeping them alive continues to escalate. Increased insurance costs, hospital expenses, medications and therapies, not to mention basic living expenses, leave the CF patient and their families struggling to make ends meet. Many CF patients are forced out of work due to chronic infections, making it even more difficult to cover the costs associated with this disease. With government budget cuts and the lack of any other assistance programs available, in 2010 it became necessary to form the Kevin A Przybyl Breathe Easy Foundation, Inc. in order to help bridge the gap between what these patients CAN afford and what they MUST afford in order to survive. Our goal is to help these patients not only survive, but thrive with an improved quality of life, one they may not have been able to afford without our help. 
 
We are striving to assist as many patients as possible by means of two different initiatives within the Breathe Easy Foundation. One is our Community Based Projects initiative. This initiative focuses on awareness and assistance to the whole of the CF community, not just one individual. By taking part in projects like remodeling CF Center wings at local hospitals, visiting healthcare classes at college campuses to inform them about cystic fibrosis and the unique care it demands, and sponsoring education days geared toward healthcare professionals so that they too many be better versed in how to care for CF in their clinical setting, we are hoping to make a big impact in unique ways in and around our community. The main goal here is a better quality of care for the Cf patients in our area.
 
Our second initiative is the Individual Assistance program. This is the heart and soul of our Foundation, and what it was originally created for. We are dedicated to providing financial assistance whenever possible to CF patients who need it most. Many times patients go without medications or treatments because of cost. Patients who need assistance can simply apply directly to Breathe Easy with their request, and if possible we will help cover the cost of whatever that need is. Breathe Easy Foundation is dedicated to help cover the costs of insurance co-pays, medications, clinic visits, hospital expenses, equipment, and alternative therapy options. When possible, we also hope to help with daily cost of living expenses like utility bills, lawn care service, car repairs, grochery bills, etc.  
 
The Breathe Easy Foundation is a 501c3 non-profit organization that depends on the generosity of individuals and corporations to fund its initiatives. It is run by an all volunteer Board of Directors, so you can be sure that every dollar you donate will go directly to helping patients with CF. Fundraising events are also run by an all volunteer staff. If you would like to learn more about how you can support the Breath Easy Foundation, whether it be through volunteering your time or talents, or through a donation, please feel free to contact us anytime. We would love to speak with you about how you can help make a difference in these patients' lives, and truly help them to "breathe easy!"