Using my breath for CF

My name is Jake Gawn, I’m 21 years old and in February 2020 I will be taking on the Wanaka Challenge. This is a half Iron man triathlon, which involves a 1.9km swim, 90km bike ride and 21.1km run to finish. While I am doing this as a personal challenge, I will also be using the event to fundraise for Cystic Fibrosis New Zealand. This is a very important cause for me because my twin sister and I were both born with Cystic Fibrosis.

Cystic Fibrosis is a life-limiting condition that currently has no cure. It can limit your breathing, your digestion, your energy levels and your life expectancy. It primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. In the lungs, chronic respiratory infections can rapidly reduce lung function. A routine of daily physiotherapy and exercise to clear lung congestion is an essential and exhausting life-long commitment. In the digestive system, the inability of the pancreas to make enzymes to break down food to a useable form requires oral enzyme supplementation every single time a person eats. Chest physiotherapy is also an important aspect of their treatment. You can’t catch it, but 1 in 25 of us carries the gene that causes it and approximately 550 New Zealanders have Cystic Fibrosis. Sport has always been a big part of my life not only for enjoyment but for maintaining my health by keeping those lungs clear!

Money raised will go to CFNZ who will distribute it to all areas that aid those with Cystic Fibrosis in New Zealand including responding to urgent situations, personal support, advocacy, research or breathe for CF grants which go towards sporting equipment/memberships to ensure that those with CF can continue to do physical activity to stay healthy.

My partner Kate Nally will also be competing in the half ironman in support of me and my goal. So, get onboard and any donation no matter how small helps as it is all going towards a great cause!