University of Minnesota Athletics
Student-Athletes Wash Cars for Worthy Cause
7/13/2010 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
This upcoming October, the Breathe Easy 5K Run for Cystic Fibrosis is being held at the University of Minnesota with contributions from Gopher Athletics in order to raise money for the cause. Gopher student-athletes such as Molly Belk, Marissa Davies, Ashley Steenvoorden, Kristen Steenvoorden, and Hannah Whitehead of Gopher's women's swimming and diving, Matt Garin from football and Molly Kalmoe from rowing are working towards the shared goal by volunteering at today's car wash, in which all the proceeds went towards funding the Breathe Easy 5K.
For just $5, members of the athletics department had their cars washed behind the Bierman Track by the student-athletes. Members of the Gopher community could either drive their car to the back lot themselves and get in line to have their car washed. Otherwise, Belk and Ashley Steenvoorden came around the department and asked if anyone wanted their cars washed. Similar to valet, the owner gave the keys to the student-athletes, had their car washed and then returned and parked the cars back to where it was originally found. The student-athletes washed 25 cars and raised $185.
Life Skills student intern Ashley Berlin is helping organize the 5k event. With the money they have raised, Berlin states that this will help fund some of the t-shirts and help with the initial funding of the 5K. "It's my first time planning the event, but we're hoping to triple the amount from 80 to 300 members," Berlin said. "Along with having our student-athletes involved in this event, it also helps bring awareness to cystic fibrosis."
Cystic Fibrosis is a disease that affects more than 30,000 citizens nationwide. It is an inherited illness that affects the lungs, restricts breathing capacities, and could lead to potentially fatal health complications. Years ago, people with cystic fibrosis were not predicted to lead long lives and many died before finishing elementary school.
However, with recent advancements in the medical field, people with cystic fibrosis can now expect longer and healthier lives. Life-changing treatments and steps towards a cure have been developed thanks to intense ongoing research that is funded by people all over the nation that strive to raise money and awareness to combat the disease.
If you would like to learn more about the Breathe Easy 5K Run for Cystic Fibrosis and how to do your part to help, visit Cff.org.
Release written by Life Skills Intern, Ellie Lijewski
