A Breath of Fresh Air: BryMar Celebrates Hope and Community at the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute Gala
Taking a deep breath is something most of us do without a second thought. It's a simple, everyday act we rarely stop to appreciate. For someone living with cystic fibrosis, however, something so natural can be a daily challenge.
At the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute's (CFRI) Breath of Fresh Air Gala, that simple act carried a much deeper meaning.
Families, researchers, medical professionals, and supporters came together for an evening dedicated to raising awareness, advancing research, and celebrating the strength of a community united by hope. Among the guests was Sandy Martinez, CPA, CFE, a parter at BryMar, who joined the celebration in support of CFRI and its mission.
Beyond the beautiful setting and lively atmosphere, the evening was filled with personal stories that brought the importance of CFRI's work to life.
Behind Every Breath Is a Story
A beautiful floral display shaped like a pair of lungs welcomed guests to the Hillsborough Racquet Club, bringing the evening's Breath of Fresh Air theme to life.
Inside, the welcoming atmosphere encouraged meaningful conversations among families, researchers, and supporters whose lives have been touched by cystic fibrosis.
Among the stories shared was that of a mother whose child had experienced repeated hospital visits and unexplained health challenges. For her family, the road to a diagnosis was filled with uncertainty, unanswered questions, and the determination to keep searching for answers.
Through persistence and advocacy, the family eventually received a diagnosis that helped them better understand and manage their child's condition. Today, her son is doing well, offering a hopeful reminder of the difference that answers, treatment, and support can make.
Her experience reflected a challenge echoed by other families throughout the evening. For many, navigating cystic fibrosis means becoming advocates for their loved ones, learning to manage a complex disease, and finding strength through the support of others who understand their journey.
These stories are at the heart of CFRI's mission. Behind every effort to advance research or raise awareness are individuals and families hoping for healthier, brighter futures.
The Power of a Community That Understands
One of the evening's most powerful moments came when a speaker asked guests to raise their hands if they were living with cystic fibrosis, knew someone affected by it, or cared for someone with the disease.
Hands went up throughout the room.
It was a simple gesture that spoke volumes. Each raised hand represented a personal connection, a unique experience, and a shared commitment to making life better for those affected by cystic fibrosis.
The sense of community extended beyond the personal stories, with guests coming together through fundraising auctions, heartfelt conversations, and moments of celebration.
"Seeing everyone just a little bit closer knit, I think just made it that much more touching," shared Sandy.
Another moving moment came during a performance of the song Breathe, honoring a songwriter whose life had been cut short by cystic fibrosis at just 27 years old.
The performance served as a reminder of the lives affected by the disease and the importance of continuing the search for better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Through moments of reflection and celebration, the evening captured the resilience of a community determined to make a difference.
Turning Hope Into Progress
While the gala celebrated the strength of the cystic fibrosis community, it also highlighted the urgent need for continued research.
Medical advancements have improved treatment options and quality of life for many individuals living with cystic fibrosis, but there is still no cure. For families navigating the disease, continued research, education, and access to support remain essential.
"Getting a diagnosis is hard. No cure is available. More research is highly needed," shared Sandy.
That message reflects the importance of CFRI's work and the role community support plays in advancing its mission.
Every contribution toward research, every effort to increase awareness, and every opportunity to connect families with valuable resources helps build momentum toward a healthier future.
The hope shared throughout the evening was not simply for medical progress, but for more everyday moments that many people take for granted. More time with loved ones, more opportunities to pursue dreams, and the ability to breathe a little easier.
The People Behind the Mission
At BryMar, supporting nonprofit organizations means working alongside people who dedicate themselves to making a meaningful difference in their communities. The Breath of Fresh Air Gala was a celebration of that dedication and the people who make CFRI's mission possible.
Sandy Martinez, CPA, CFE, a partner at BryMar, was grateful for the opportunity to attend and catch up with Mary Convento, CFRI's Finance and Program Supervisor and Siri Vaeth, CFRI’s Executive Director. Their time together was a meaningful opportunity to reconnect and celebrate the organization's continued commitment to the cystic fibrosis community.
Throughout the evening, the strength of CFRI's mission was reflected in the families sharing their experiences, the researchers working toward new advancements, and the supporters helping make that progress possible.
Behind every medical advancement is a family hoping for answers, an individual looking toward a healthier future, and a community determined to make a difference.
BryMar is grateful for the opportunity to support the Cystic Fibrosis Research Institute and celebrate the incredible people working to bring hope to those affected by cystic fibrosis.
The evening was a beautiful reminder of why this work matters, and the power of a community united by a shared purpose: a future where everyone can breathe a little easier.
