Envoy Newsbreak

Nine people and one organization with close ties to the Nebraska Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation were honored for their contributions during 2005.

Honored at the volunteer recognition luncheon Thursday, Nov. 9, at the Outback Steakhouse were:

• Jason Lauritsen, Volunteer of the Year
• Dan Creagan, Volunteer MVP Award
• Kathy Radachi, Breath of Life Award
• Jason Fisher, Board Member of the Year
• Leon Thomas, Boad Rising Star Award
• Bobbi Christensen, MVP Board Award
• Jim & Helen Herbert, Lifetime Achievement Award
• David Seevers, Inspirational Award
• Mid-American Energy Corporation, Outstanding Corporate Partner Award

Cystic Fibrosis Board President Barry Zoob announced at the luncheon that the Nebraska Chapter has raised nearly $568,500 — a 70 percent growth over the $345,000 that was raised last year.

“It is the effort and dedication of every donor, volunteer and board member who helped put us one step closer to finding a cure,” Zoob said. “We had more community events, raising more money than ever before in 2005 and our dedicated volunteer force continues to grow. But while all of these things are important, we believe that our greatest strength — and one of our greatest challenges — is the growth and strengthening of the relationships we have with cystic fibrosis patients and their families.”

Cystic Fibrosis is a complex, genetic disease that affects about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. It causes the body to produce abnormally thick, sticky mucus, due to the faulty transport of sodium and chloride (salt) within cells lining organs such as the lungs and pancreas. This mucus clogs the lungs, leading to life-threatening lung infections.

Envoy, Inc., is proud to handle public relations work for the Nebraska Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.