Haha, sorry about that! Gah, it's the end of Finals week in college, so my brain is a bit of a mush at the moment. At least at Mayhem Ink in NH, the artists have agreed to give 20% of every tattoo to a local organization, Karen's Climb, which helps people with CF and their families, as well as research.
Sorry about the link not working...I'm not very good with computer things.
Below is the "press release" that is in the local papers.
Honestly, I'm not sure if/how/what other tattoo places are going to do, if they'll donate money, or what. I've only talked with Mayhem. But, if nothing else, then at least the tattoos are getting it out there, and if people ask about them, then people can have the change to explain what CF is. I already have a few tattoos, and I know people ask about them. So, it's also an awareness event as well.
This shoud be the link to the rose tattoo that is on the facebook group, and that isn't what everyone needs to get, but that is what i originally had in mind. But, as I said previously, there are artists drawing up various rose designs for people to choose from.
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THE PRESS RELEASE... (This might explain things a little more eloquently that I did)
Roses have long been a common choice for a tattoo, and two local teens are hoping there are at least 65 people who want a rose tattoo. These tattoos will help them with their goal of raising funds for Karen's Climb. They chose 65 because of the name, Sixty Five Roses. It is a pretty name for the number one lethal, genetic disease, cystic fibrosis (CF). When a young child could not pronounce the name of her silent killer, the family nicknamed the disease Sixty Five Roses.
Alexandria Brown, a young, local woman diagnosed with CF at birth, and her friend, Jeremy Ryan are spearheading a creative way to raise funds for Karen's Climb and promote awareness of cystic fibrosis. Since getting several tattoos at Mayhem Ink, they decided to combine their love of body art with a fundraiser. Mayhem Ink is thrilled to participate and is more than glad to be a part of helping to find a cure. The artists have created several tattoo designs from which you can choose.
Diagnosed at birth, Alex has been able to lead an active life despite nine hospitalizations, including three surgeries. Ironically, Alex will not be able to participate in getting tattooed on December 22nd along with her friends and supporters since she is scheduled for her fourth surgery just days prior to the big event. However, as soon as the doctors clear her, she looks forward to having a rose added along with her other three tattoos.
Cystic fibrosis affects over 30,000 people in the United States and one in four people are carriers of the genetic disease. CF affects the respiratory and digestive systems. Most patients with CF take several medications daily and require frequent hospitalizations to combat lung infections. There is currently no cure.
Karen's Climb was founded by Dave Larlee in memory of his niece, Karen, who succumbed to the disease. The name Karen's Climb is metaphorical for her climb to the summit of Mt. Katahdin in Maine, as well as for the struggles a person with cystic fibrosis faces every day. Karen's Climb is pleased to participate in this fundraiser, having known Alex since she was an infant. This Nashua-based, 100% volunteer, non-profit organization is dedicated to assisting families and individuals affected by cystic fibrosis. The majority of funds are used to provide temporary financial assistance to families by obtaining medicines and medical supplies; providing fuel, food and transportation; keeping telephone services intact; and averting eviction from homes. It has even provided relief of the financial burden of double-lung transplant expenses. Prior to the planning of this event, Alex fulfilled a personal goal of hiking to the top of Mt. Katahdin, just as her inspiration, Karen had done. Once she accomplished that goal, she had it forever marked on her - by the means of a tattoo done at Mayhem Ink.
If you would like to participate, show up at Mayhem Ink on Saturday, December 22nd, starting at noon. Feel free to go to Mayhem prior to that date to choose a design and make an appointment. If you don't want a permanent tattoo, you may still make a donation (checks payable to Karen's Climb).
