Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF) celebrated Jerry Cahill’s 60th birthday on June 27, by demonstrating that people with cystic fibrosis (CF) can live normal lives with exercise and consistent medical care.
Cahill is an ambassador for the organization and a double-lung transplant survivor who was told he would likely not live longer than age 16.
But, during the last two years alone Cahill has raised over $380,000 by completing two 500-mile bike rides and many other physical activities. This year, to celebrate his 60th year of living, he is commemorating his own achievements by completing 60 events on his 60:60 ‘Living List’ – and hoping to raise $600,000 along the way.
Cahill leads BEF’s scholarship and grants division and is the founder of Team Boomer, the athletic arm of BEF dedicated to encourage CF patients to exercise and help raise funds for research. Cahill believes that exercise is the most important thing in his life. It allows him to stay healthy and active despite CF, a topic he frequently talks about on his “Jerry Cahill’s Cystic Fibrosis Podcast”.
“Growing up, my parents always told me to live life to the fullest. We were told that I wouldn’t live past my 16th birthday, and here I am today living my parent’s wish. My motto is that hard-work, relentlessness and optimism are the secret to a healthy and fulfilling life,” said Cahill in a press release. “With dedication to a strong fitness and medical treatment regimen, I’ve been able to survive this deadly disease and I urge the CF community to apply the same values to their lives. Much is possible when you put your mind and heart into it.”
Sort of a bucket list, Cahill’s 60:60 ‘Living List’ includes activities like indoor skydiving, climbing to the crown of the Statue of Liberty, sharing 60 CF Selfies (#LivingList), sailing for 60 minutes around the Atlantic Cup, riding a mechanical bull and more.
Cahill hopes that those he meets along his adventurous road will not wait until they are 60 to start ‘living their list’; that they can see for themselves that it’s never too late to live dreams; and that they will inspire others to do the same.
Cahill already checked off some items since writing his ‘Living List’ in February 2016. He is planning now to participate in the Bike 3 Breathe 500-mile bike ride, September 19, from San Francisco to San Diego.
To donate to BEF, visit the following link. All donations will support CF research and education, scholarships and transplant grants. Check out the recently released BEF documentary “Up for Air” which followed Cahill through his double-lung transplant journey.