On October 30, 2009, my niece Caroline was born. Shortly thereafter, a blood test revealed that she has cystic fibrosis. Cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that primarily impacts the lungs and pancreas - leading to severe lung infections and reduced ability to absorb fats (and more importantly fat soluble vitamins) that, taken together, substantially reduce life expectancy.
meet Caroline -
this is one of my favorite photos, taken not long after her birth
As you can imagine, the news of Caroline's disease was a shock for my family. The joy and celebration surrounding her arrival were quickly met by fear, sadness, and countless questions.
My brother and sister-in-law have embraced their new reality with grace, courage, and endless optimism. They are truly inspiring to me. You can read Caroline's story in my brother's words here.
On April 24, 2010, my brother and his friend Matt will be participating in the Extreme Hike for the Cure to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The hike is a 30.1 mile trek through the mountains of North Carolina. Their goal is to raise $10,000.
In talking about his fundraising efforts, my brother mentioned the significance of the phrase "65 roses." "Sixty-five roses" is what some children with CF call their disease, because those words are easier for them to pronounce. You can read the story about how this phrase was adopted by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation here.
When my brother said "65 roses," an idea immediately popped into my head. I thought, "What if I could make 65 roses and sell them, with the proceeds going towards my brother's fundraising goal?"
So, I got to work. I experimented with a few different ways of making fabric flowers, and this is what I came up with.
The flowers will be made into hair clips, headbands, and pins. I am in the process of opening an etsy shop (I'll make this a live link once I finish getting everything there set up), where I will be listing the flowers for sale. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I hope to sell 65 of these fabric roses before my brother's hike on April 24.
I will be posting the flowers for sale in the etsy shop as I finish them. I plan to announce shop updates here.
I hope you will check back for updates. Thanks in advance for your support of my family.
how lovely. i'll be sure to purchase one! she's a beautiful child. you are a beautiful woman! thank you for sharing...
Posted by: suzanne | 03/05/2010 at 03:41 PM
What an absolutely touching way to support your brother and his family,especially beautiful little Caroline. I look so forward to the opening of the shop and further updates.
Stay well.
Alli Smith
Posted by: Alli Smith | 03/05/2010 at 03:53 PM
oh sweet little caroline is just beautiful! Im so excited for you! i cant wait to buy some, i'm eyeing that little one with the tulips on the fabric, or are those regular flowers? either way i want it!
Posted by: mc | 03/05/2010 at 04:58 PM
what an absolutely beautiful way to use your talents in support of your family. i will be looking for updates about your etsy shop. you have inspired me today!
Posted by: karin | 03/05/2010 at 05:00 PM
I found your blog through Kim (and quite a few other blogs to be honest), but I got a little teary eyed when reading this one. I definitely see a few roses that I will try to scoop up once the shop opens up!
Posted by: Heather | 03/05/2010 at 05:33 PM
I want a pin!! Can't wait for the etsy shop to open. Love you, sweet friend!
Posted by: Lesley | 03/05/2010 at 05:37 PM
I love it, Nikole. The whole idea is beautiful - as are you and your beautiful niece!! Count me in!
Posted by: Dale | 03/05/2010 at 06:14 PM
another wonderful thing you are doing. can't wait to support this cause through your etsy shop! you are the bomb, nikole.
Posted by: sarah | 03/05/2010 at 06:39 PM
How sweet! I'm anxiously awaiting a sweet pin.
Posted by: Roma | 03/05/2010 at 07:44 PM
what a beautiful labor of love! they will sell out long before the hike, i am sure! i'm hoping to be quick enough to get one!
Posted by: Joana | 03/05/2010 at 08:56 PM
What an inspiring project. I love that these are made by your hands--that warmth and hope folded and circled into each one. Many of us who read you will support this venture the second we're able.
Posted by: Christy | 03/06/2010 at 03:01 AM
Hey Nicole - this is an issue that I wear close to my heart as I lost an 8 year old cousin 1.5 years ago to this disease. I can't wait to purchase one. Every year Colin is represented at the CF walk in FL where we always give away 65 roses in his honor. Your neice is just a doll and you are an extremely sweet aunt.
Posted by: Monica Inzaina | 03/06/2010 at 08:37 AM
Oh goodness, look at that sweet little face.
And what a wonderful idea! I will definitely buy one and wear it with pride.
Posted by: Valerie | 03/06/2010 at 01:54 PM
Very cool! Please post links on Twitter when you have the roses in your Etsy, I'm headed over to follow you there now. :)
Posted by: Cameron | 03/06/2010 at 02:13 PM
I think this is the most wonderful and inspiring idea. I have known some children with this disease and they are so optimistic and full of life. I can't wait to buy a rose!
Posted by: Tina | 03/06/2010 at 02:48 PM
My 16-yr-old cousin (my cousin's daughter) has CF and is thriving. I support every fundraising effort and can't wait to choose a rose!
Posted by: Maggi | 03/06/2010 at 04:49 PM
So awesome! And beautiful roses you are making! I read this post yesterday evening and dreamed about the roses you are making being sewed onto a quilt... just an idea :) Your niece is such a doll. What a wonderful way to show support for her!
Posted by: Carla | 03/07/2010 at 04:05 PM
Amazing! You are amazing. The roses are gorgeous!
What an incredible thing to do for your gorgeous little niece.
Posted by: Mad | 03/10/2010 at 07:28 PM