This is the second in a series of 3 blogs dedicated to raising awareness for Cystic Fibrosis. The first blog can be found here. The final blog in the series will be posted on December 30, 2008.
Norman Julius "Boomer" Esiason is best known as being one of the most prolific left-handed quarterbacks in NFL history, as well as being an outspoken analyst for CBS and Westwood One Radio. He amassed nearly 38,000 yards and 250 touchdowns in an NFL career that spanned 14 seasons. His greatest accomplishment, however, has nothing to do with football.
In 1993, Esiason's 2-year-old son, Gunnar, was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis after being taken to the hospital with breathing problems. Esiason was, understandably, devastated by the news, but he didn't hesitate to organize the Boomer Esiason Foundation. The Foundation's purpose is to raise money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, in the hope that one day CF will be completely eradicated. The Foundation has raised over $55 million for CF awareness. They host an annual fundraiser called the "Booming Celebration", which alone has raised over $18 million over the past 16 years.
Boomer and his wife, Cheryl Esiason, are co-chairs of the Foundation. They work closely with the Cystic Fibrosis Foudation to raise awareness for the horrific disease. On NFL games that are broadcast on Westwood One Radio, ReMax makes a donation to the Boomer Esiason Foundation for every touchdown scores, as well as donating to the Foundation's Sack Cystic Fibrosis scholarship fund for CF patients for every sack recorded over the years. Anyone interested can donate to the Boomer Esiason Foundation, as well as the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
To find out more about the Boomer Esiason Foundation, or to donate, visit:
To find out more about the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, or to donate, visit:
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Comments (8) Add A Comment
You know, I'm sure I'd heard about it at some point but I'd actually forgotten Boomer's connection to Cystic Fibrosis.
I'd heard a lot more over the years about Doug Flutie's foundation for Austism, also founded because of his son's condition.
YODA
San Diego, CA
Total Comments (17707)
Yeah, the Flutie Foundation has gotten more run over the years. It's probably because he did all of those TV commercials back when he was playing. Boomer doesn't advertise his foundation, but if you ever listen to a football game on Westwood One, you will hear it mentioned several times.
wtnelson = Big Chief
Fort Collins , CO
Total Comments (3616)
Thank you, wtnelson, for opening fans' eyes to the good works that sports figures do outside the world of sports. Esiason's foundation is doing great work, and here's to hoping that it continues strongly in its quest to find a cure...
Bigalke
Springfield, OR
Total Comments (22418)
When athlete cannot handle newfound fame. we are confronted with all the details. When an athlete does something extraordinarily positive, it may not even make the back pages.
Thanks, wt, for helping raise the awareness of this disease and of Boomers' contribution to that awareness. Not only is "65 Roses" an alternate name for the disease, but represents hope for its treatment and cure.
Appleseed
Detroit, MI
Total Comments (947)
Thank you, wt, for enlightening me and everyone else on this issue. You're the perfect person to tell us.
Redwing19: retired
Halifax, NS
Total Comments (35449)
Exactly. I wrote a blog about that. Always the negative stuff dominating the headlines.Never the difference makers in the community. A group should be started on FN to share the positive stuff athletes do. Coaches that changed kids lives.Personal influences ,true role models and heroes. We all love movies like Rudy and Meet the Titans. I bet many people on FN have similar stories to tell and more.
jbcom
Total Comments (324)
Stories like Chief wrote about Kyle Woodridge and the inspiration he gave people need to be told.This is the stuff that really makes a difference and impact peoples lives. Not Burress shooting himself(as absurd as that might be) Vick ,T.O.or Pac man and so many of these self centered, egotistical clowns.This young man did more in his 17yrs than all these guys combined.We should celebrate people like Kyle every chance we get.In case you have not read it yet Kyles story is the third of this 65 roses series. Read it and pass it on. IT'S THAT GOOD!
jbcom
Total Comments (324)
Thanks, WT. Having gone to UMD when Esiason was QBing there, I've always been a fan and even more so after learning of his son's diagnosis and the way he and his family dealt with it. He's definitely one of the good guys. As usual, great blog.
Seabird 56
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