2006

Two pediatric CF physicians from Atlanta were training together for the Chicago Marathon. The event was only a few weeks away, but they had an idea about doing something special for their CF patients during the race. Their initial conversation, held during a run, marked the start of Team 65ROSES, a group of people dedicated to walking or running a half marathon (or marathon) on behalf of people living with cystic fibrosis.

2007

On March 25, over 100 runners and walkers -- including CF family members, caregivers, and one person with CF -- donned their Carolina Blue Team 65ROSES shirts and raced through the streets of Atlanta in the inaugural ING Georgia Marathon and Half Marathon. Their goal was to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis, support people with the disease, and to connect with family members along the course.

The Team 65ROSES story has continued to evolve. The running team grew into a separate non-profit organization, Miles for Cystic Fibrosis (M4CF). Since its inception, the M4CF mission has been to provide financial assistance to families affected by cystic fibrosis, as well as support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in their efforts to partner with the CF community, advance high-quality, specialized care, and fund CF research and drug development in the search for a cure. Now M4CF supports the CF Foundation by acting as a resource for the Foundation's Compass patient assistance service.

2007

It takes a "marathon" effort for those living with cystic fibrosis to stay healthy -- including taking numerous pills and breathing treatments each day, constantly trying to prevent infections that might require hospitalization, and participating in clinical check-ups every three months. In 2007, Miles for Cystic Fibrosis launched its Inspire Award to recognize individuals with CF who face these challenges head-on and live life to its fullest while also serving the larger community. Every person with CF is a remarkable human being, and we look forward to celebrating their resilience each year through this award.

2009

Team Rosebuds was established out of a five year-old girl's dream for kids to help other kids with CF. In 2009, Elena Goodrow (who was born with cystic fibrosis herself) declared that she wanted to run on her own “kids team” to raise awareness and money for CF. To bring this vision to life, Elena ran in the Georgia Marathon Kids Fun Run alongside her parents, siblings, friends and cystic fibrosis supporters; and thus, the Rosebuds were born! Since then, this charity of young runners has worked to support local CF families and CF research through tireless fundraising efforts. So far, the Rosebuds have raised over $50,000 for CF charities!

2011

Miles For Cystic Fibrosis took over ownership and management of the Big Peach Sizzler 10K & 5K, which remains our premier fundraising and awareness event. As part of our commitment to the CF community and support of an active lifestyle, people with cystic fibrosis are offered free entry into the Big Peach Sizzler 10K every year.

2012

A native of Augusta, Georgia, Stephanie Brantley had a vision to provide local CF patients and their families with financial assistance, as well as support research efforts to bring health and longevity to their lives. Living through the journey of expensive medications, multiple hospitalizations, and constant preventive care for her own children with CF, Stephanie was driven to see that other families receive the much needed support they deserve. In 2012, Stephanie founded Augusta Team 65ROSES, which serves as an extension of the Atlanta 65ROSES group and contributes to fundraising efforts for Miles for Cystic Fibrosis.

2016

M4CF launched the BreatheStrong Program, which provides children and adults living with CF the opportunity to apply for exercise grants. Awards typically range between $200 - $1000, and they can be renewed annually. Although BreatheStrong grants were originally limited to residents of Georgia, they have now expanded to include individuals living in neighboring states.

2017

In 2017, M4CF was one of seven organizations across the country to receive the inaugural Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Impact Grant, a program that provides up to $10,000 per year to individuals or organizations that benefit the cystic fibrosis community. Supporting the M4CF BreatheStrong program, the Impact Grant was awarded to M4CF again in 2018. In 2019, the BreatheStrong program received the new CF Foundation Community Support Grant for established programs that provide long-term, meaningful engagement opportunities for the CF community.

2018

Miles for Cystic Fibrosis created the Impact Award to honor an individual who does not have CF but who has made a sustained and significant impact on the CF community. The 2018 Impact Award was presented to Barb Crews, CPNP, for her work with CF children and families in the CF Clinic at Scottish Rite in Atlanta. The second Impact Award was given to Scot Rittenbaum in 2019 for his service as Executive Director of the Georgia Chapter of the CF Foundation.

2019

Miles for CF held its inaugural Salt Fest Benefit Concert, which featured local musicians such as Rose and Elena, Broken Nature, and Intension. "Things and Stuff" Comedy was also provided by Elijah. All proceeds benefited M4CF programs, and the event was hosted by Elena Goodrow, a 15 year-old living with cystic fibrosis.

2020

When COVID-19 struck, the cystic fibrosis community was hit hard. M4CF stepped up to provide CF families with assistance through the Critical Needs Initiative, which provides financial relief for certain household utilities and groceries that are no longer affordable due to financial loss from the pandemic.

As M4CF programs have grown, our fundraising focus has shifted from support to other organizations to funding the work we perform directly for the CF community, including BreatheStrong and the Critical Needs Initiative.

Throughout the years, all activities hosted by M4CF support our efforts to promote an active and healthy lifestyle within the CF community and beyond.