What is Breathe Hope and what inspired you to start this organization?
Breathe Hope is a recognized student service organization that was established in the spring of 2006. Our mission is to increase knowledge about cystic fibrosis while inspiring action from others to help fight the disease and move towards a cure. I began Breathe Hope in memory of my sister Lindsay, Class of 2005, who passed away from cystic fibrosis two years ago. I wanted to spread awareness of this terrible disease to our campus and community. Few people realize the severity of cystic fibrosis even though it is the #1 genetic killer of children and young adults in the United States today.

What has been your organization’s greatest achievement thus far and what plans do you have for its future?
Since Breathe Hope is still a growing organization, we have focused many of our efforts on laying a solid foundation for the future. So far, I’ve been amazed with the support we’ve received from our campus and community. I feel that we’ve connected with many students on campus through various associations with the disease. We’ve also had the opportunity to build a strong relationship with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through our participation in CFF fundraising efforts in Houston. For the future, we would like to see our awareness campaigns continue on a larger scale. I would also love for Breathe Hope to continue offering friends and family members of those battling the disease an opportunity to come together and take steps towards a cure.

How can students get involved?
Right now Breathe Hope needs our campus and community to get involved in the fight against cystic fibrosis by joining us to run or walk at the Great Strides 5K on Saturday, November 10th. Check-in begins at 8:30am at the Association of Former Students. Preregistration is $10 at Rudder Fountain or Wehner from November 5-9. This is a great way for us all to take a step towards a cure for cystic fibrosis, as all proceeds will benefit CF research. If students are interested in Breathe Hope membership, more information can be found at breathehope.tamu.edu. New members are welcomed to the organization at the beginning of each semester.

How has being a business major helped you in this endeavor?
Establishing and operating a student organization is extremely similar to running a small business. I’ve been able to apply many of the basic principles of marketing, management, and accounting to processes that we use on a daily basis. I delegate tasks to my officers like any corporate manager might do. (Except I hope Breathe Hope tasks are a little more fun!) Currently I’m working on my Masters in Marketing through PPA, and I’ve found many of the principles of marketing extremely useful when hosting events such as Great Strides.