Members of the University of La Verne sorority Iota Delta hosted their annual “Bowl for Breath” fundraising event Saturday at the Brunswick Bowling Alley, raising $750; $250 more than their original goal.
Fifty participants came out to the Brunswick Bowling Alley in Upland showing their support at the fundraiser to help raise money to find a cure for cystic fibrosis, a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive system.
There are approximately 30,000 people in the United States affected by this fatal disease.
Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease, where two abnormal genes, one from each parent are passed to their child.
Iota Delta member Liz Canales strongly supports the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
“It’s one of the main reasons why I joined the sorority because of how involved we are with this philanthropy of cystic fibrosis,” Canales said.
Iota Delta members decorated paper flowers with markers in multiple colors and hung them on the wall with the names of donators on them.
Iota Delta President Nancy Reyes is true to her mission in the fight for a cure for cystic fibrosis.
“It means that you can help somebody from afar,” Reyes said. “Personally, I don’t know anyone with cystic fibrosis, but just because it’s not in my personal life it doesn’t mean I can’t help them. But, it still hits home because of the sorority.”
Virginia Ng, a biology major, wants people to be more educated about cystic fibrosis.
“Not that many people are aware of it and it poses a big problem because so many people are in danger of having an irregular chromosome account. It helps to spread awareness,” Ng said.
“You always hear about diabetes and AIDS and this disease is a problem too,” she added.
Iota Delta members enjoy bowling and it does not hurt that the proceeds are going to a good cause.
“The first time I heard the story of cystic fibrosis it touched my heart and it’s great knowing that we could do something fun to give back to the community,” Canales said.
Iota Delta Vice President Jerrica Perez, who is majoring in criminology, wants to make a difference in society.
“I want to see change,” Perez said. “I want to help by encouraging people that just one person can make a difference; all you have to do is just care.”
Last year Iota Delta successfully raised $1,800 for cystic fibrosis.
Iota Delta member Jamie Mahoney, a communications major, came to bowl in support of the community.
“It goes to a good cause, and since it’s our biggest philanthropy it’s really important to make it a successful event,” Mahoney said.
Lauren Zagurski was another Iota Delta sister who came out to bowl.
“Today is important because it’s our philanthropy and this is our major event fundraiser to help support cystic fibrosis,” Zagurski said. “We send money yearly to help research for this disease and it’s fun.”
Sophomore liberal studies major Nick Solis came out to fight for a cure and try his luck at bowling.
“I’m here today supporting Iota Delta,” Solis said. “I think it’s a great fun way to help people come together and to help raise money for a good cause.”
Jessica Shadrick, a junior psychology major, loves children and wants to help as much as she can.
“The disease is so horrible,” Shadrick said. “I just want to participate in anyway I can to give the children some kind of relief, whether it is in donations or helping them find a cure through medical research.”
Katie Aimone, an Iota Delta alumna, showed her support to help her sisters.
“I’m one of their alumni advisors, so I came to show my support to help them in raising funds and to let others know it’s an important cause across campus,” Aimone said.
The median life expectancy for people struck by cystic fibrosis is now 32.
Thirty years ago, a cystic fibrosis patient was not expected to reach adulthood.
While there is no cure for the disease, there are many treatments available today.
“It’s a tragic disease. Most people with it don’t live past 35,” said Sarah Bushmeyer, Iota Delta member and criminology major. “I’m really glad that we do this event each year, in hopes that someday there (will be) a cure for this disease.”
Vitoria Drost can be reached at vitoriadrost@hotmail.com.
Journalism operations manager at the University of La Verne. Production manager and business manager of the Campus Times.