The Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis, a nonprofit dedicated to finding a cure for the genetic disorder, stages its annual football showdown each spring, drawing players, fans, and volunteers into a day of competition and compassion.
Over three decades the game has generated more than $800,000 for cystic fibrosis research, with the most recent 30th‑anniversary contest adding $30,000 to the tally, underscoring the event’s growing impact.
Volunteers Keep the Game Alive
Jodi Mote, who has served as the game’s director since 2018, stresses that volunteers drive nearly every facet of the production, from field setup to player coordination, and she credits their dedication for the event’s longevity.
Dr. Michelle Jones of WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center explains that cystic fibrosis stems from a defective protein that disrupts sodium and chloride transport, a malfunction that can clog the lungs, pancreas and digestive tract, affecting nearly 40,000 people nationwide.
Players, Purpose, and Perseverance
For many participants, the match represents more than a game; several are playing for the final time, turning each tackle into a tribute to loved ones lost to the disease and a rallying cry for continued research.
Mote describes her work with the Battle Against Cystic Fibrosis as life‑changing and inspiring, noting that the collaboration with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and WVU Medicine Camden Clark Medical Center amplifies the fight toward a cure.