IF you see a woman roaming the streets of Margaret River on May 29 with her arms laden with red roses, stop, say hello and ask how those roses are helping the Cystic Fibrosis community.
As a part of the 65 Roses for Cystic Fibrosis campaign, Rachuel Knapinski will be attempting to disperse 100 of the long stemmed flower throughout the community to raise much needed funds for Cystic Fibrosis research.
Cystic Fibrosis is a life shortening genetic disease that causes the development of an excessive amount of thick, sticky mucus on the lungs, airways and digestive system of which there is currently no cure.
The cause is particularly close to Ms Knapinski’s heart after her niece was diagnosed with the disease.
Straight from birth, Bunbury based little Milania Rose was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital for Children and remained there for five weeks.
Millie’s parents Clare and Adrian have provided physio exercises twice daily for her as well as medication with each meal time to prevent mucus build up in her body ever since.
Seeing the daily struggle of her family, Ms Knapinski saw the 65 Roses event as something she could do to help.
“You don’t realise how important it is to fundraise until you know someone affected,” she said.
“It’s just amazing to see how they’ve handled it.”
With all proceeds raised going towards families affected by the disease in Western Australia, Ms Knapinski sees this day as the start of a yearly conquest to double her fundraising efforts.
Around lunch time on Friday she will be wandering the main street in Margaret River dressed in a red shirt, selling her flowers for $5.
Purchase a flower or visit cysticfibrosis.org.au/all/donations/ and donate to make a difference.