Were you aware of the breath you took just now?

Chances are, your effortless inhalation delivered life-enabling oxygen unnoticed, as it tends to do for those of us so fortunate to have the use of healthy lungs.

For a young person with cystic fibrosis, though, each breath can be a mighty victory -- or a brave struggle to sustain life. Even though members of my mother's extended family are known carriers of this genetic disorder, I really became aware of cystic fibrosis lung disease 10 years ago when I met CF survivor Isabel Stenzel Byrnes. That was also the year I ran my first road race, the start of a pursuit that has rewarded me with fun, accomplishment, personal growth, friendships, exploration, and continued fitness and health over the last decade.

In that same time frame Isa and and her twin Ana, who also lives with CF, both experienced the resurrecting gifts of lung transplants. They credit their donor lungs with saving their lives. Ana is strong after undergoing a miraculous second lung transplant in July 2007. Both women have become athletes in their own right, medaling at the Transplant Olympics, summiting mountains, and completing half marathon distance road races. They share their inspiring story in their new book "The Power Of Two." To get to know Ana and Isa better, please take a look at their blog and website.

The sisters inspired me as I trained hard to qualify for the Boston Marathon, the oldest and most prestigious 26.2 mile road race in the United States. During long runs and my qualifying race, I thought about Isa and Ana. Their warrior-like responses to health challenges over 35 years of life were infinitely more courageous than the labored breathing and fatigued muscles it took me to sustain an 8:30 minute/mile running pace.

I was thrilled to fulfill my goal of earning a "BQ," so now it's my turn to give a little back to the heroines who inspired me so much along the way. Ana and Isa are merely two young adults living with cystic fibrosis. The next contribution could be the few extra dollars that fund discovery of a cure, a breakthrough treatment option, or enhanced quality of life for the tens of thousands of people living with CF.

Please consider using your generosity to symbolically join me for a few miles from New Year's Day through April 2008. My campaign began Jan 1, 2008, with the somewhat ridiculous idea of racing a 5K while wearing formalwear. Shortly after, I  completed my first ultra-marathon distance run, a 50K (32 miles), and the season will culminate with an attempt of the 112th Boston Marathon on April 21. I invite you to share this journey by respectfully asking you to consider contributing any amount you are able to The Boomer Esiason Foundation, a charity hand-picked by Isabel Stenzel Byrnes.

I am hoping to get as many people as possible involved, to increase awareness of CF along with support. For every new individual donor, I will pledge $1.12 (for the 112th running of Boston). Please help me make dozens of contributions! Donating through this website is simple, fast and totally secure. Firstgiving deposits contributions to Team Boomer's account at regular intervals. It is also the most efficient way to support my fundraising efforts.

Many thanks for your support -- and don't forget to forward this to anyone who you think might want to donate too!

Thank you in advance for your consideration, kindness, and support. Let's breathe a little more life into this meaningful cause together. Very sincerely, Andrea