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Coming Together To Fight Cystic Fibrosis

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Landon Pruett with his parents, Adam & Holly & Andeson Pritchard, with his parents, Rachael & Ben

Coming Together To Fight Cystic Fibrosis... Two Little Boys Inspire A New Annual Event!

It was a first for Rutherford County. There has never been a fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis. However, two Rutherford County heros brought the need to help to the forefront. Their names are Landon Pruett and Anderson Pritchard. Both are two years old. Both were diagnosed just shortly after birth. They need constant attention and therapy. They also are very special and very loved. This event was held Sat., May 26 at Isothermal Community College.

     What is Cystic Fibrosis? Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disorder that affects the respiratory and digestive system. People with Cystic Fibrosis inherit a defective gene on chromosome 7 called CFTR. Cystic Fibrosis is a recessive disorder, which means that both parents must pass on the defective gene for any of their children to get the disease. If a child inherits only one copy of the faulty gene, he or she will be a carrier. Carriers don’t actually have the disease, but they can pass it on to their children. About 2,500 babies are born with cystic fibrosis in the United States each year. More than 10 million Americans carry the cystic fibrosis gene but don’t know it. Presently there is no cure for this disease. 

     Landon’s parents are Adam and Holly. It was because of Rachael. Anderson’s mother that the first annual fundraiser became a reality. Holly and Rachael became friends and they worked together to make it happen. Both were inspired by their sons.  

     Our hero, Landon was hospitalized twice in March of 2011 and was on a feeding tube for several days. Since then, there have been no major concerns. In the fall of 2011 Landon started using an airway clearance device 30 minutes twice a day. This keeps the mucus in his lungs loosened up. He takes 16 pills a day along with two breathing treatments. Most of these are preventative measures. Presently he has to avoid crowds and cannot even attend church. Adam and Holly are members of Crestview Baptist Church in Forest City. Crestview has been very supportive of Landon. The preschool raised money for the Cystic Fibosis Foundation in his honor and the Ladies on a Mission group hosts spaghetti dinners. Medical expenses are naturally high and to donate to Team Landon you can go to: Team Landon, Crestview Baptist Church, 630 South Church Street, Forest City, N. C. 28043. All donations received will help defray medical costs. 

     The other hero, Anderson, is the child of Rachael and Ben Pritchard. He was only 6 weeks old when his folks found out he had cystic fibrosis. Although upset at first, they finally decided to have a positive outlook for their son, Anderson. They have had only one hospital stay and that was when Anderson was 7 months old. He was very sick and weighted only 13 pounds. He had cultured bacteria in his lungs and could only be treated with IV antibiotics. Presently, Anderson takes four breathing treatments every day  and wears a vest twice a day for thirty minutes that shakes the mucus from his lungs. Getting a toddler to sit still for 45 minutes twice a day and wear a mask then a vest is not the easiest thing to do, but it keeps him healthy and he is so loved. He also takes enzymes with every meal and snack. Anderson is considered healthy under the circumstances. His days are filled with positive reinforcement and a tremendous amount of love. In his honor, Anderson’s Great Strides team and Anderson’s Angels bike team were able to raise over $8,000 last year for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This money is used for research. Their church, Hickory Bible Tabernacle has been very supportive.  If you care to help find a cure for Anderson, you can donate to: The Anderson Fund, 2050 Piney Knob Road, Rutherfordton, N. C. 28139. 

     Both Landon and Anderson are an inspiration to all that meet or know them. Because of them Rutherford County now has an annual event that will help. Their parents thank you and asks Gods blessing for each of you. 


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