Namesake...Jeffory...

February 15th, 2011 at 2:18 pm our family gained it's second Jeffory...and we know a Jeffory was smiling down from up above.

My sister Mandy gave birth to her 3rd child Jeffory Nolan Blankenship, 8.5 lbs and 20.5 inches long, this bundle of joy is the light of our worlds, along with his two sisters Joile and Nina.

Congrats to the Blankenship Family...I love you all more than words!

Nathan, Tricia and Gwyneth Lawrenson

What an inspiration Tricia is...and what a beautiful family...love how they have persevered through so many obstacles and are still wearing AWESOME smiles!

Upcoming Events...

Come out and support Cystic Fibrosis and help us make CF stand for Cure Found...

We have 2 exciting events coming up in the next few weeks...

August 18th, Chili's Give Back Day, print the coupon below and take in to any of the 26 participating locations and have the waiter attach to your receipt from the meal and 10% of the ticket will come back to the NE TX Chapter - Ft.Worth Office and will benefit our local Cystic Fibrosis Pulmonary Care Clinic located at Cook Children’s Medical Center, where hundreds of North Texas CF patients are treated each year, with the newest treatments and best CF medications as they become available, and to assist in financially support the efforts of the national researchers that are working to find the cure for cystic fibrosis, and developing new treatments to help those who suffer with this devastating disease.



September 2nd, Benefit Happy Hour and Concert, The CFF NE TX Chapter - FTW Office and BlackFinn American Saloon in Arlington Highlands will be joining forces on Thursday, Sept. 2nd from 5:00 - 8:00 PM to raise funds to help the CFF at adding tomorrows every day.



Please come out and support the Chili's and BlackFinn Give Backs...and let's give back to our local Cook Children's CF Pulmonary Care Clinic!

I've Been Bad...

Seriously...am I the only one who gets home from work and asks..."where did the day go?" I've been so consumed with the learning process of my new job, that I've failed at the other activities that used to keep me sane...like my blogging. As you all know I'm now an employee of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and I can now say,"Working at my dream job!" Don't get me wrong...I do miss the daily hussle and bussle with my Posse, but I'm doing something that makes me smile every morning on the way in to the office, which I know in the long run is the most important thing for me as an individual. This post is just a reminder to all that even though I'm working for the CFF as an employee first, I still 100% intend on keeping up with my fundraising efforts for Jeff's Entourage, and still will continue the role as team leader, of course with my main co-leaders Mandy and Mom.

We are still going to be continuing the annual concert in the spring and I will periodically post upcoming CFF events on the blog to keep all my readers abreast of the event calendar. Speaking of...I've included that with this post...if any one is interested in any of the events or have any questions please feel free to contact me at srelien@cff.org.

Sixty-Five Roses
10th Annual Golf Tournament
Golf Link to Chapter Website
September 13, 2010
Join the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for the
10th Annual 65 Roses Golf Tournament
at Mira Vista Country Club. This 1st class
tournament will consist of four-person teams,
best ball format. Sponsors receive player
gift packages, pre-tournament couples
reception and dinner*, lunch, GREY GOOSE
cocktails, gift bags and awards reception.
*Limited to $3,000+ sponsorship levels.
For more information please contact
Beverly James at 817-249-7744 or
via email at bjames@cff.org

10th Annual 65 Roses Wine & Food Extravaganza
Food & Wine Link to Chapter Website
October 27, 2010
Held under the stars at La Paloma, this 10th
Annual event will feature our area’s most
renowned chefs, presenting their signature dishes
complimented with exceptional wines chosen
especially for this event. Enjoy the
sounds of Texas Artists while bidding on the
live, silent, and big board auctions.
For more information please contact
Melanie Hanna at 817-249-7744 or
via email at mhanna@cff.org

Inaugural CF Climb for Life
CF Climb for Life Link to Chapter Website
November 13, 2010
The Climb for Life is a fun and challenging event where people will huff and puff their way to the of 22 floors of the Burnett Plaza building for a great cause. It is more than your typical 5K. Whether climbing for a winning time or simply to cross the finish line….this event is a great way to challenge yourself. You can set your own challenge but more importantly, you’ll share in the victoryand in the fight in finding a cure for Cystic Fibrosis.

Registration Fees:
06.01.2010 - 09.30.2010 $25
10.01.2010 - 10.31.2010 $30
11.01.2010 - 11.10.2010 $35

Minimum Pledge Requirement: $150

To register for this event visit www.CFF.org/Chapters/FortWorth or call 817.249.7744

Sponsorship opportunities available.


XOXO ~ S

A loss for words...

As I sat back this morning with my breakfast and decided that I'd brave Sarah's newest post over at Not so Bright and Shiny...I wondered...how she sat down and did this...so fresh and new on her heart...the day we lost my brother is a day I'll never forget...much of the stuff she described...well we went through it too...sure we were in the confines of a hospital room...but all of the very same stuff happened...Family and Friends coming to say their last goodbyes (at that point I was in shock and pretty numb as to what was happening around me), Doctors and Nurses saying their goodbyes too, not doing much for him except monitoring his pain...A few days prior to Bubba's passing when he was still lucid enough to talk or was it his previous hospital stay a few weeks prior, again kind of blurry...he asked our very dear friend (Vanessa) to sing at his funeral (a particular song, In the Arms of the Angel by Sarah McLaughlin)...how did my sweet friend sit there and take that request at such a young and venerable age...I mean at 18 it is a lot to take on something like that...but she did it with grace and a proudness and I'm forever grateful for this request and she did him so proud at his funeral. I remember Sam, Lisa and I spending the night up at the hospital the night before his passing or was it 2 nights before...that week seemed to all run together...we were so uncomfortable...but weren't...we were there for a reason (To be with our Brother and that made all of our discomfort go away...how could we be uncomfortable while watching him, seriously?!?!?) I remember his last breath here on this Earth...I remember all of us surrounding his bedside touching and caressing him...I remember screaming at the top of my lungs "NOOOOOOOOOOOOOO" when it really happened...HOW DID THIS REALLY HAPPEN??? was what was going through my mind?!?! Where did my laughing - smiling brother, friend, hero GO? I remember making the call to the love of my life that couldn't be there because he was away to college and telling him that my Bubba was GONE...he was GONE...I remember him showing up the next day to be with me and my family...After I saw him I knew things would be ok and that he would take my brother's role forever as my protector...he has done my brother proud. Why am I writing this...I really don't know...except that I'm not quite sure I've every expressed all of this in words...I kind of went numb after it all happened and sure I've talked about him and love him more now then ever...if that is even possible...but I just want him to know I'm safe and that he is never out of my mind or heart...he is always in my thoughts and prayers and Jolie knows and talks to him at prayer time just like Nina and all of our children will one day when they are able to understand a little more...Uncle Bubba would have loved these girls with all of his heart...they would have been his everything...just like I know Sam and I were to him...the love he had for us was just something that is unexplainable...and I Thank God everyday that I know what that Love is...Everyone should be loved how he loved US...

Ok enough blabber from me...I was able to stomach one bite of my toast this morning while reading Conner's last song...Like Vanessa sang at Bubba's service...In the arms of the angels....Fly away from here...you will forever be in our hearts Connerman!!! Tell my Bubba I love him and miss him!!!

{Mandy}

Damn You CF!!!

WHY?!?!? Seriously!!! I Hate you CF!!! Please keep Conner in your thoughts and prayers...he is losing his fight with CF...it breaks my heart that another family has to lose a precious life to this stupid disease...Conner you have touched all of our hearts...I want to Thank You for that!!! Breathe easy little guy...


http://notsobrightandshiny.blogspot.com/

Lift this family up in Prayer...

This is a blog I found a few months back and I just can't believe that they are going through this...I hate it...This little boy "Conner" has so much life to live and this young family deserves all the time in the world with their 3 boys...her last few post pretty much sums up what it's like going through the steps and motions of losing a loved one...I wasn't the mother of a CF'er, but I was a sibling and bestfriend to one and this is exactly some of the feelings I struggled with then and even still now and I know my Mom can relate to all of this...I just thought if I pointed some of you that way that you could send a few extra prayers up for Conner and his family while they go down this path. He made the decision a few weeks back that he was done with the hospitals and IV's...so they are honoring his wishes...what a brave little soul and brave family!!!

Not so Bright and Shiny

Thanks...Mandy

2010 Texas Rose Round-Up

There are still tickets available...come join the Bart Crow Band, Stoney LaRue, Cross Canadian Ragweed...and of course, the CF Foundation!

For tickets and directions please visit www.fortworth.cff.org, and click on 2010 Texas Rose Round-Up. Make sure and bring you lawn chairs, blankets, and coolers. We'll see you out there yall!

GODSPEED BENEFIT CONCERT

The Total is in...

Minus our money from J.Gilligan's the 2nd Annual Jeff's Entourage made $2345.00. Special thanks to all the supporters, volunteers, etc. We made some awesome cash flow towards making CF stand for Cure Found!

Jeff’s Entourage 2nd Annual Benefit Concert

J.Gilligan's
400 E. Abram
Arlington, TX

Doors Open - 1:00 PM

Band Line-Up:
1:15 PM - Mo Robson Band
2:15 PM - 17 Hands High
3:15 PM - Special Guest Singer
3:30 PM - Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos

With Raffle/Doors Prizes announced through out the afternoon. Live Auction to take place prior to Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos taking the stage. Silent Auction to close at 4:00 PM.

Silent Auction Items *
• Radney Foster Memory Box – Value $ Priceless
• Sosobella Godspeed Necklace – Value $50.00
• 4 tickets to Willie’s 4th of July Picnic – Value $400.00
• Tribute Golf Course (One round of Golf for 4) – Value $500.00
• Downtown Ft.Worth Package – Value $500
o Overnight Stay for 2 at Omni Hotel
o Dinner for 2 at Reata
o Two tickets for Four Day Weekend
• Lightcatcher Wine Tasting Basket – Value $60.00
• Framed Art by ATOY Photography – Value $250.00
• ATOY Photography 1 Hour Photo Sitting with one 8 x 10 Print – Value $150.00
• Original Art by Yvonne4Eyes – Value $60.00
• 2 tickets to Dallas Symphony – Value $130.00
• Dr.Kelly West DDS - New Patient Cleaning, Exam, Full Series X-Rays, take home whitening with custom made trays. Value - $600.00

Raffle Items *
• Pampered Chef Grilling Basket Gift Set – Value $50.00
• Ultimate Keurig Coffee Maker – Value $130.00
• 32 GB iPod Touch – Value $300.00
• (2 available) Softside Frost Bank Collapsible Coolers – Value $30.00 each
• (2 available) Grill Utensils Sets in Foldable Frost Bank Carrier – Value $40.00 each
• O’Reilly’s AC Delco 2 Ton Hydraulic Jack and Jack Stand Kit – Value $50.00

Door Prizes *
• 4 tickets to Gilley’s in Dallas – Value $85.00
• American Express Credit Card – Value $100.00
• (2 available) Stainless Frost Bank Coffee Thermos Sets – Value $35.00 each
• O’Reilly’s Car Wash Kit – Value $35.00
• Uppercase Living Home Décor – Value $25.00

Live Auction *
• Autographed Help Austin Help Haiti Acoustic Guitar – Value $ Priceless
• Tanning Bed Sun Ergoline Model is Sundash Competition – Value $2,000.00


*current at print date

Live Auction Items

*Live Auction*

Here is a little preview of the items that will be available in the Live Auction.

Live Auction will start at 3:00 PM
(prior to Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos set)

* Autographed Acoustic Guitar -
Donated on behalf of the artists at the Help Austin Help Haiti Benefit Concert.
Includes the following autographs: Ray Benson, Asleep at the Wheel, Robert Earl Keen, Reckless Kelly, Joe Ely, Jimmy Dale Gilmore, Butch Cochran, Shawn Colvin, The Gourds, Band of Heathens, Ray Wylie Hubbard, Bruce Robison, Kelly Willis, Lloyd Maines, Curtis Potter, and Radney Foster. Value - Priceless

Tanning Bed - Sun Ergoline Model is Sundash Competition
Donated on behalf of Electric Sun
Value - $2,000.00
Specifications:
• 32 new Genesis 120 watt lamps with 11 new hrf 25 watt facials
• 20-min bed.
• Electrical spec: 4 wire 220v, 30amp breaker (an Electrician will need to connect to the wall)
• Free Delivery within 30 miles
• 90 Day Warranty on Parts & Service
• If you should have any questions regarding the tanning bed, please ask to speak with Rod Slack.

*Silent Auction will close at 4:00 PM, please come by and check your bids at this time and confirm if you are the lucky winner.

Where did our time go... (a post from Mom)

I’ve been going through a box of old pictures and the last ten years this task has proved to the hardest thing in my life that I do. It is both a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it gives me special time to reflect on not only your life but mine also. A curse because when I am through, it is all I can do to make it through the rest of the day without a huge “Bubba Cry Session”.

I’ve tried to stay strong for the girls when in fact a lot of the time I am falling apart inside I am so lonely without you. It was so special “growing up” together. It was quite a ride and yes, there are so many times and things that I would like to have a “do over” on but I know that is not possible; at least not in this life.

Jeffory as we get ready to start our intense effort to raise money for CF this year, please know it is all for you. I know you are happy and out of pain because you have told me on several occasions but it doesn’t ease the pain I feel as a mother that lost her baby. A part of me will forever be missing.

Just know that everything we do, we do for you. Godspeed little man, sweet dreams.

Love, Mom

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

(make sure and pause playlist at bottom of blog for music)

JE 2nd Annual Benefit Concert

Look forward to seeing everyone this Saturday...we have a lot of exciting auction items, raffle prizes, and door prizes! Will post a firm list of all of this information toward the end of the week...Stay Tuned!

Live music from Grant Jones and the Pistol Grip Lassos, with guests Mo Robson and 17 Hands High...and a special performance from Vanessa Lozada. You don't want to miss it!

Good News...

I officially will be working direct for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation starting May 3rd...I'm nervous, excited, anxious, etc. all at the same time. Having been working for the same company for the last 8 1/2 years has me in my comfort zone, but I know I made the right decision for me, and I will be doing something I'm passionate about. My new title will be Special Event Specialists...something I have always had a desire to do...and now I will be doing it on a daily basis for an organization that I deeply care about. So Bubba, I begin this journey with your support and guidance...without you I would not be making this step!

Why We Fundraise? (Up Close & Personal)

My Mother's Reason
My name is Shirley Relien and I lost my 26 year old son Jeff in the fall of 2000 to Cystic Fibrosis. You may or may not be familiar with this dreadful childhood disease but Jeff was diagnosed at the age of 6 weeks with CF. I was a 20 year old girl that could barely say Cystic Fibrosis much less know what all it involved. So, as you can imagine our world seemed to fall apart for quite sometime. In 1974 the life expectancy was 12 years and we were told to take him home and love him as we had no guarantees as to how long he would survive.

Through the years with new drugs, research and the possibility of a transplant, things seemed to look up. But once again our world fell apart on September 22, 2000.

I made a commitment to myself and my son that I will continue as long as I am physically and mentally able or until a cure is found to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. It is my hope that one day no family will have to endure losing a son, brother and husband with so much life ahead of him.

Jeffory, as we get ready to start our intense effort to raise money for CF this year please know it is all for you.


My Sister's Reason
It has been almost 10 years since we lost my Bubba to his long battle with CF, and it still kills me to talk about him in the past tense. If I would have realized what was REALLY going on the weeks/days prior to his passing I would have shared many of my fears, jokes, and stories with him. I would have loved to hear his laugh one more time. He had an electric laugh that was ‘one of a kind’. That is one of the many reasons why I fundraise towards a cure for this nasty disease. So that another mother, wife, sister, daughter doesn’t have to lose a loved one that still had so much life to live. So that a mom can see her son smile with his one chipped tooth - So that a husband can tell his wife his endless collection of jokes - So that a brother can protect his sisters. I feel my brother’s presence here on earth; I see his smiles in my children’s eyes. I know he is with me, and that comforts me and encourages me towards my goals every year that I set in my Great Strides endeavors. He is my Hero; my Guardian Angel and I love him more than any words could ever describe. He was a true gem!!! This is why I fight…so that CF stands for a “Cure Found”!!!


My Reason
My brother, Jeffory “Bubba” Duane Smith touched anyone who ever came in contact with him, and he continues to touch people with his spirit. This year marks the 10th year of his passing, and I will tell you that it still feels like yesterday we were saying good-bye to him in the hospital. It was a very surreal moment in life, which no one can understand until they experience it themselves. Watching someone you love so dearly slip away right before your eyes is one of the most painful experiences I've ever been through. Then the aftermath...well, it was hard. But, we picked ourselves up for him...and started honoring his memory, because that is what he would want us to do.

Another reason I fight for this cause is because I know that I'm a carrier of the CF gene...when my identical twin sister got pregnant with her first child, she immediately knew that she should get tested, and that's when we found out that we also carried the gene that our mother does. Fortunately my brother in law doesn't...so...long story short, it was a relief to us all. But, I now know that in the future I too will have to go through the same trials and tribulation to find out if my future husband carries the gene. I have thought about it long and hard, being 27 and always knowing that I would want to be a mother, if there were a chance that my child would have CF, would I proceed with getting pregnant? The question is still unanswered, it was hard watching my mom go through what she did, but I know her love for him could conquer all, and that's the main reason I think I would still take a chance. Motherhood seems to be the most rewarding career anyone could ever have, and to have a bond with my children like my mom has with us, well I guess you could say that it’s pretty rare and really unique. So a cure for Cystic Fibrosis is very important to me, and that’s why I fight to raise the money for the best research to help find it.

In 2009, I decided that I was ready to take the plunge for our team and head up the first benefit concert in memory of my brother, and it was a success. We raised $5,000on April 17th, 2009 on a Friday evening with 3 bands, silent auction, and raffle. Thanks to Randy Ford, owner of J.Gilligan’s and Beverly James, with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, I gained the confidence I needed to make this an Annual Event. So in 2010, our goal is to raise $10,000 with the concert event to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Great Strides, and Jeff’s Entourage. To make CF stand for Cure Found!

Mark the Calendar...

I'm an Organ Donor...and Damn Proud of It!

One of the most important things to CFers and their families...are viable/available LUNGS...when my brother was placed on the transplant list in 1999 it gave us HOPE...I became a donor and from then on I have realized the importance of HOPE and FAITH, Bubba didn't make it to transplant, but he believed in the process, and held on as long as he could...

Organ Donors, are few and far between and these are just a few questions I have for you?

Did you know that more than 96,000 men, women and children currently need life-saving organ transplants? and 7,000 of them live in the state of Texas?

That every 11-13 minutes another name is added to the national organ transplant waiting list?

That an average of 18 people die each day from the lack of available organs for transplant?

That in 2008, there were 7,984 deceased organ donors and 6,218 living organ donors resulting in 27,961 organ transplants?

That in 2007, approximately 30,000 grafts were made available for transplant by eye banks within the United States?

Sad Statistics...

According to research, 98% of all adults have heard about organ donation and 86% have heard of tissue donation.

90% of Americans say they support donation, but only 30% know the essential steps to take to be a donor.

There is an an estimated 24.8 million citizens in the state of Texas, and only 653,940 registered donors, which is about 38% of the population.

My Chanllege to all my readers is to become a donor today...and know that if in the event you could have the ability to give the "Gift of Life" and save or improve the lives of as many as 50 people. Please visit Donate Life Texas, and become a donor today!

A Sad Day...

thinking of you all at this time...with deepest and most sincere sympathy...thank you Eva for sharing your life with us all...your story has impacted the world...your legacy will continue, and you will never be forgotten...with a heavy heart...from, your friend in TX...Samantha Relien (www.jeffsentourage.blogspot.com)

A Night to Remember...

Jam Session
Michael Thomson of Michael's Restaurant, Ft.Worth.
With Pat and Patrick Davis
Meeting Pat for the 1st time...after being a fan for a good 10 years +!