Gala To Raise Funds For Cystic Fibrosis Research

Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice will be honored with the Breath of Life Award. On Saturday, December 5, the Long Island Branch of the Greater NY Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation will host the 37th Annual Breath of Life Gala at Chateau Briand in Carle Place to raise funds in the fight against cystic fibrosis (CF).

Cystic Fibrosis (CF) is the number-one genetic disease affecting children and young adults in this country. More than 10 million Americans (one in every 31) are symptom-less carriers of the defective CF gene. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has raised millions of dollars to continue extending the length and improving the quality of life for people suffering from this disease.

The evening’s event will honor Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice as she receives the Breath of Life Award. The district attorney is being honored for her “experience, passion and dedication” as the chief law enforcement official for one of the nation’s largest counties.

Kristy Fabrizi, a volunteer and CF patient, will receive the Lou Gans Award at the Breath of Life Gala on Dec. 5. “Cystic fibrosis is a disease that attacks our youngest and most vulnerable citizens,” Rice said. “Due to the dedication of the men and women of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, however, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. I am honored to be this year’s honoree and hopeful that the money raised at this event will help those searching for a cure breathe a little easier.”

The Lou Gans Award will be awarded to Kristy Fabrizi, a volunteer and CF patient who has worked tirelessly to raise funds to find a cure. “I am very proud and honored to be receiving this year’s Lou Gans Award,” Fabrizi said. “The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation works tirelessly to help find a cure, and it is a privilege for me to be able to help them make CF stand for Cure Found.”

Proceeds from this event will be used to fund CF research and programs. Cocktails will be served and a silent auction will begin at 7:30 p.m. Dinner will follow at 8:30. For more information on how to purchase a ticket or become a sponsor of Breath of Life, visit http://longisland.cff.org or contact Karen Blank at 516-827-1290 or kblank@cff.org.