Nebulizer treatments regularly.

Vest treatments routinely.

Multiple hospital stays annually.

It’s not something anyone should have to endure, let alone a child.

Meet Zoe, 16 years old. She Does. Diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at only a few days old, she’s lucky to be alive.  At the time of her birth only two states screened for Cystic Fibrosis at infancy. She happened to live in one of them.  The doctors were able to detect it. We’re thankful they did.

Cystic Fibrosis is a rare and chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children in the United States (CF Foundation).  The disease causes thick, sticky mucus to form in the lungs, digestive tract, and other areas of the body.  People with CF have to deal with life-threatening lung infections, pancreatic issues that affect the absorption of food, persistent coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, and many other issues.  The CF Foundation reports that the median life expectancy for someone with CF is mid to late 30’s.

I can say this, CF may try to take years away from Zoe’s life, but she has way more life to her years than most people I know. She has a magical spirit to her. Within minutes of being in her presence you quickly sense something special.  Her attitude says everything.

She’s a positive person.
She doesn’t see herself as any less fortunate than anyone else. She doesn’t want pity. She sees life as a beautiful thing that she plans to enjoy every minute of.

She’s determined.
She’s a competitive cheerleader, performing flips and twists and jumps and extreme balance holds. Her routines are demanding and after going max throttle for two minutes, she’s literally pulled off stage to recoup for ten. With only 50% lung capacity, she says this is good by the way, she used to only be 38%, her oxygen is used up much quicker than normal and takes much longer to replenish. Zoe knows the pain that follows her routines, but she goes hard anyways. She wants to give it her best effort no matter the consequences.

She cares for others.
Two years ago she was in the hospital for five months out of the year. That’s a long time to sit by yourself in your room because your body can’t be exposed to germs from other patients. She looks around. The hospital floor she resides on is not very comfortable or pleasant. She links the effects this has on one’s recovery. If the kids on her unit were in a colorful, up to date, cozy environment, they would be happier, healthier, and recover stronger.  She starts to dream big. She begins to ask questions. She takes action. Soon the “Make A Wish foundation” walks through her doors.

Sitting in front of them, Zoe could have asked for a trip to Disney World.  She could have requested tickets to the next Justin Beiber concert.  She could have begged for the newest Iphone and Ipad.  But instead she wished to renovate RBC 5, to make it an even better environment for all the children that regularly stay there.  Zoe put other people before herself.  She gets what this life is all about.

We are here to help support Zoe’s selfless request.

On Saturday, February 9, 2013, I’m going to attempt to break the Guiness Book of World Record’s for “Most Pull-ups in 24 hours” to raise money and awareness for Zoe’s dream and Cystic Fibrosis.  It’s what we’re calling an Active Prayer. I give myself, my thoughts, my energy, my prayers, all to Zoe while performing pull-ups all day.

Together, our mission is to spread the message that LIFE IS NOT ABOUT YOU.

People keep asking me if I can really do 4,020 pull-ups. To be honest, I have no idea, but I’m going to try. My training says I can, but you never know what will happen.  One of the life lessons wrapped up in this event is this: when you’re called to do something, you do it, regardless of the outcome.  “Don’t anticipate, participate.” Zoe had a vision and she started taking action, one step at a time.  Her wish is about to come true.  I had a vision and will start doing pull-ups, one rep at a time. Perhaps mine will too.  I admit that doing it for myself wouldn’t be enough.  But for Zoe, there’s no way I’m giving up.

No matter the result, I already know God brought Zoe and I together for a reason. Our visions didn’t collide just to pull off a really cool charity event. This isn’t really about doing 4,000 pull-ups or raising $50,000 dollars. This is about God bringing an amazing girl into my family’s life.

Zoe has already blessed our lives tremendously. I know she’ll bless yours too.

Help make Zoe’s wish come true, she’s an absolute life-changer.

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