Hey guys. ResearchBuzz has been quiet lately because I’ve been working a lot, but also because I’ve been building a new Web site. Today I’d like to tell you about it, and ask for your help.

My niece, Jennifer, has cystic fibrosis. She is on the waiting list for a double-lung transplant, but needs funds for the incidentals of the transplant — pay for the caretaker, gas, food, etc. The transplant will be in Seattle (she lives in Alaska) and she doesn’t know how long she’ll need to stay there after the transplant. A lot of things are up in the air. So I’m searching… for funds. For Jennifer.

I’ve started a Web site at http://LungsForJennifer.com . There you can donate, or if you can’t donate, you can write a note in her guestbook. She’s spending more and more time in the hospital; even if you can’t donate any money a few words of encouragement would do her all kinds of good. If you want to help on Facebook, you can join her support group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=111540178869011 .

I *hate* putting myself forward like this, and I feel a little guilty because I feel that you, ResearchBuzz readers, greatest readers on the planet as you have been since 1998, you have given me so much more than I have ever given you. But this is not about me. This is about Jenn being able to breathe. If you have any thoughts about what I can do to make the fundraising site better, or if you can help get the word out, I’d really appreciate it.

I will not see one dime of this money. All of it will go to Jennifer and will be handled by Jennifer’s grandmother (Jenn’s mother passed away several years ago.) If we end up raising more money than she needs, the extra will go to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation ( http://www.cff.org/ ).

For a donation, a suggestion, an entry in the guestbook, a friending on Facebook, or just a kind thought —

Thank you. A thousand times thank you.

Love,

Tara