MISSION
The Christopher Ricardo Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a nonprofit organization comprised of family, friends and business leaders dedicated to raising financial support for research aimed at finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. We are also committed to advancing education and awareness of this disease and enhancing the quality of life for those living with it every day.
ABOUT US
We are a family whose lives are touched every day by cystic fibrosis. Maria and Ruben Ricardo's son, Christopher, was not yet 3 years old when he was diagnosed with the disease on April 30, 2004. From that day, all of our lives were changed dramatically. We were introduced to pancreatic enzymes, chest physiotherapy, the worlds of pulmonology and gastroenterology. Almost overnight, these words became part of our daily vocabulary.
After the initial shock and denial was over and we somewhat adjusted to this new way of life, we felt it was time to do more. We knew we were doing everything possible for Christopher from day to day, but we felt that perhaps it was not enough. We didn't want to sit back and just wait for a cure that could be around the corner. Instead of feeling powerless, we wanted to be proactive in the future of finding a cure for cystic fibrosis; a cure we believe will be found.
Our foundation was born through this belief. Our goal was to create something lasting, something we will see through to the end of a long fight to a cure; a legacy for Christopher so that one day he can look back and know so many people cared whether he lived or died. We want all people who have CF to feel the same way. We want them to know people cared enough about them to dedicate time and effort to raise money for research so that CF may never again stand for cystic fibrosis, but someday for Cure Found.
UPDATE: As of 2015, ten years after we began our foundation, we have raised over one million dollars, which we have in turn donated both to the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, as well as the "Fondazione per la ricerca sulla fibrosi cistica-onlus" (the CF research foundation in Italy). These two foundations, like us, are committed to developing the latest research by raising the median age of people with CF and improving their quality of life.
This amazing total could not have been reached without the generous contributions of so many. We have been moved by your generosity and this inspires us to continue our mission even more. We are aware the road ahead of us is still long but we have the conviction that with your support we ARE making a difference in helping those who have CF live fuller, more productive lives.
The Christopher Ricardo Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is an IRS designated non-profit tax exempt organization under Section 501 (c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code. Accordingly, the Foundation is not required to pay income taxes. Donors may deduct contributions to The Christopher Ricardo Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Inc, only to the extent that their contributions are gifts, with no consideration given.