I am proud to announce that Dana Outrigger Canoe Club has chosen to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at this year's Whitey Harrison 9-Man race.
My name is Sam Couch and I am the coach for the Newport Aquatic Center Men's Outrigger Team. I also have cystic fibrosis. I was diagnosed with the disease when I was two years old. With the support of my friends and family, I have stayed active and lived well beyond my prognosis. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been invaluable as it supports efforts to find new treatments and work towards a cure for cystic fibrosis.
Cystic fibrosis is a disease which causes extensive lung and intestinal damage. It is a genetic, chronic disease that affects about 30,000 children and adults in the United States alone. In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. When I was born in 1973, the prognosis for children did not extend beyond their early teens. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have greatly enhanced life for children and adults with cystic fibrosis. Thanks in large part to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s, and beyond.
Canoe paddling is a huge part of my own fight against cystic fibrosis; I have been paddling canoes for over 20 years. Canoe paddling pushes me to stay as fit and as active as possible and, in turn, keeps my lungs as healthy as possible. I am asking the paddling community to join me in creating an 'Ocean of Strength' to help fight cystic fibrosis.
We are selling Patagonia race jerseys and all proceeds will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. SCORA has given approval to wear these jerseys for the Whitey Harrison race to show support for the fight against Cystic Fibrosis. Clubs/Teams are encouraged to wear these jersey’s for the race. We will be getting order information up with coming week for teams to check out.
Sam
Sam Couch
Newport Aquatic Center
Men's Outrigger Team Coach
