Anna's 5k for 65Roses

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Anna's 5k for 65 Roses 

Event Info

Date: May 2, 2026

Location: Christopher, Illinois 

Contact: Hailee Rodgers, hrodgers@siu.edu


Join us for our 3rd Annual 5K Fun Run as we come together to make strides toward a cure for Cystic fibrosis! Whether you’re a seasoned runner, a casual walker, or just want to cheer from the sidelines, this event is all about community, hope, and making a difference. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps support critical research, advocacy, and care for individuals and families affected by CF.

 

Anna Minor, daughter of Ciara and Nick Minor was born November 2023, and was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when she was 2 weeks new. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare disorder that damages the lungs and digestive system. There is currently no cure for CF. Researchers are working hard and medications have come a long way to treat CF, but we are all hoping for a cure!

We wanted to do our part as a family to raise awareness and get the community involved in raising money in hopes that this donation will play a part in finding a cure! 100% of the proceeds will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. In 2024, we raised $10,000, 2025 we raised $12,000!!! This year our goal is $15,000!  Please share this with your friends and family! We would love and appreciate all the support we can get!
 
We will be hosting a bocce ball tournament following the 5k at the Christopher ball fields, again this year! The entry fee for the bocce tournament will be $60 per team. Limited spots for teams, please reach out to Hailee ASAP if you want to sign up!
 
The 65 Roses Story
Mary G. Weiss became a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 1965 after learning that her three little boys had CF. Her duty was to call every civic club, social, and service organization, seeking financial support for CF research. Mary's 4-year-old son, Richard (Ricky), listened closely to his mother as she made each call.
After several calls, Richard came into the room and told his mom, "I know what you are working for." Mary was dumbstruck because Richard did not know what she was doing, nor did he know that he had cystic fibrosis.
With some trepidation, Mary asked, "What am I working for, Ricky?"
He answered, "You are working for 65 Roses."
Mary was speechless. He could not see the tears running down Mary's cheeks as she stammered, "Yes, Ricky, I'm working for 65 Roses."
Since 1965, the term "65 Roses" has been used by children of all ages to describe their disease. But, making it easier to say does not make CF any easier to live with.
The reality is that cystic fibrosis is a life-threatening genetic disease that affects 40,000 children and adults in the United States.


The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has fueled dramatic improvements in cystic fibrosis research and care. Because of the Foundation, people with CF are living longer and healthier lives.  The outlook for people with CF continues to improve year after year.
 

Thank you in advance for your support and participation to this event, you are helping to make a difference for people living with CF.