One of the real blessings in our Route 66 fund raising campaign is getting to meet and collaborate with Jerry Cahill. He is the founder and head of Team Boomer, the physical activity and healthy living component of Boomer Esiason Foundation, dedicated to conquering Cystic Fibrosis and assisting those in the community to live full, meaningful lives, including the financial or other assistance they may need. Jerry has been our biggest fan in this Route 66 project, and has generously given of his time and ideas to get us to our goal.
We’ve learned so much about Jerry’s life, his refusal to give in to this disease, his athletic accomplishments and contributions, and his continuing commitment to living his own life as vigorously and completely as possible. How many 67 year old CF survivors do you know who have routinely run 10K races, pole vaulted, ridden 100k+ bicycle events, held down full time jobs and coached students in pole vaulting? I’ve tried several times to write a blog about Jerry to inspire and inform others in the CF community, but his life has been too full of drama, medical procedures, life accomplishments, etc. that I just couldn’t compress it into a respectful written piece. BUT… I found the “autobiography” Jerry himself wrote for the Cystic Fibrosis Five Boro Bike Tour of NYC this year, and it is wonderful. So, let me share Jerry Cahill, in his own words, with you below. Thanks Jerry!
Jerry Cahill autobiography
Hi everyone! My name is Jerry Cahill, and I am 67-years-old living with cystic fibrosis. Over the past 11+ years I have had a double lung transplant, a liver and kidney transplant, and battled CF related diabetes as well as skin cancer. In spite of the many challenges I have faced, I continue to LIVE… BREATHE… and SUCCEED with the support of my family, friends, medical teams, pharmaceutical teams, Boomer, and the entire CF community – THANK YOU!!!
Because I have been to the ‘brink and back… I am determined to re-invent and challenge myself to be a better person every day.
I have biked in eight Bike 2 Breathe events, totaling more than 3,700 miles, ran a 10K after my double lung transplant, and continue to push myself to become stronger and healthier. While my health is improving, I still face physical setbacks. So, instead of continuing 100+ mile rides, I have decided to participate in the Five Boro Bike Tour to raise money for others with CF through scholarships at the Boomer Esiason Foundation
My passion for exercise and my drive to stay healthy is what keeps me going to live my life to the fullest. I have been blessed with life-saving transplants, and I thank my donors and their families each day for that gift.
I am excited to tackle the challenge of the Five Boro Bike Tour and hope you will support me and those like me in the CF community who are in need of scholarships and organ transplant grants!
I believe it’s important to GIVE BACK to others so please JOIN ME! Thank you
