I believe once we become aware of something we are then responsible for sharing what we've seen, what we've learned and what we've experienced in this life with others.

It was only a few months ago that I was for the first time made aware of CF through a One Republic music video.

Then a couple weeks ago my friend introduced me to Ashley and her Breath Bravely Blog. After reading some blog posts, and talking with Ashley I found out a lot of things about CF I had never been exposed to before.  One thing I had never heard of was the common reference to 65 Roses throughout the Cystic Fibrosis community.

Breathe Bravely Challenge

Not only has the rose become a symbol for Cystic Fibrosis, the phrase, "65 Roses" has become a trademark of the CF Foundation. "65 Roses" may be easier to say than "Cystic Fibrosis," but it also represents the beauty of each life amidst a devastatingly ugly disease. I hope when you look at a rose, you see the beauty, vibrancy, and life each petal represents. With every rose, I hope for at least a moment, you always think of Cystic Fibrosis and how this disease has impacted your life: whether it great or small. Yes, we might get pricked by a thorn here or there, but roses are not defined by their thorns. They are defined by the lasting beauty they share and the meaning in which they give to each of us. Love to you all. Fight CF. Give someone a rose or roses, and tell them the story of how CF has impacted your life.  -Ashley Ballou-Bonnema

May is Cystic Fibrosis awareness month and my rose to you today is the suggestion to take a minute to read the full 65 roses post on Ashley's Breath Bravely Blog. Take five minutes and watch the One Republic video.  Then if you'd like, pass one of them along to someone and share with them what you've seen and experienced today.

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