“Thrilling” is the word Risa Branchi, president of Cystic Fibrosis Canada’s Campbell River Chapter, uses to talk about the beautiful Holiday cards designed by Erin Wallis and Shannon Andrews of Runaway Souls.
All proceeds are in support of the fight against cystic fibrosis.
Kim Wood, who has cystic fibrosis, spends at least four hours a day on therapy and medical procedures to help fight the disease. She was diagnosed with CF at 16 months of age and thanks to advances in care she is now 32 years old. Her health has declined in the past two years and she requires frequent courses of intravenous antibiotics.
Wood said, “I couldn’t be more grateful to Erin and Shannon for taking the time out of their busy lives to work on the CF holiday card project – they are remarkably talented and giving people.”
Wood grew up in Campbell River and said she is tremendously grateful to the community for supporting the cystic fibrosis cause.
Erin Wallis is a close friend of Kim.
“I have watched Kim struggle with this devastating disease her entire life – we grew up together as friends and neighbours,” said Wallis. “I would hold her hand and read to her when she was little as her Mom pounded on her chest to help loosen lung secretions – now it breaks my heart to see her health decline.”
Wallis’ awareness of cystic fibrosis and it’s implications were heightened by having an uncle who had passed away from it at the age of 24.
This is the second year these talented women have worked their hearts out on this initiative. Since we saw them last year with their west coast inspired CF holiday cards, they’ve been busy. They’ve each had a baby this year, been busy with full lives and still say they “can’t help but make more cards for Cystic Fibrosis.”
This past month, they have spent time dragging around cars full of ornaments, fishing tackle and now Santa…these girls were spotted creating these cards at the Campbell River, as well as the beautiful Dolphins Resort.
Wallis said, “It feels completely normal to decorate a Christmas tree as the sun sets over the Tyee Pool at the spit here in town.”
These women are fiercely determined to help find a cure for CF, in the most creative way they know how.
“Shannon and I have a strong, passionate desire to create. Always. Our motto is Anything is Possible. With our card company Runaway Soul we just believe in sharing our wild visions to create a positive expression of what we love, and what is possible. In the past we try and spread the love around with donations benefiting other incredibly worthy causes, however, this year hasn’t been an easy one for Kim and her struggle and determination to stay positive and keep fighting had us wanting to do something more for Cystic Fibrosis,” said Wallis.
Joining Run Away Souls in this project is Ayaz Amlani from Sure Copy in Campbell River who has donated all his time and printing costs to make sure Cystic Fibrosis Canada benefits greatly from the cards. Also Monk’s Office Supplies has donated all of the envelopes for the cards, so when you buy these unique Christmas cards you can feel really good that you are contributing in a big way. Bulk orders are possible or they are sold in packages of five different cards.
Risa Branchi, said, “We are so grateful to Erin and Shannon of Runaway Soul and Sure Copy for all they do for the CF cause – and to the business owners who have offered to sell them in their stores.”
They are for sale at Appleseed Cottage, Gourmet Essentials, Bikram Yoga, River Sportsman, Balloons ‘n More Party Shop and the Dolphins Gift Shop or visit website www.crcf.ca.
Cystic Fibrosis
Cystic fibrosis is the most common fatal genetic disease affecting Canadian children and young adults. It is a multi-system disease that mainly affects the lungs and the digestive system. Most deaths related to cystic fibrosis are due to lung disease. Severe respiratory problems result from a build-up of thick mucus in the lungs of CF patients, where the effects are most devastating. Mucus and protein also build up in the digestive tract, making it difficult to digest and absorb nutrients from food. There are 4,000 Canadians living with cystic fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis Canada
Cystic Fibrosis Canada is one of the world’s top three charitable organizations committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis and the only non-government organization in Canada investing in vital CF research and care. In 2012/2013, it invested more than $7.5 million in research and clinical care.