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HISTORY OF NICK & HAYDEN’S HEROES
My name is Hayden and I’m six years old. When I was just a baby, I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disease that can attack my lungs, pancreas, and reproductive system. Even though CF is genetic, the diagnosis was a surprise because there is no history of CF in the families of my Mom or Dad.
In 2007, Mom and Dad brought me home a new baby brother, Nicholas. At first, I wasn’t too thrilled to share the attention, but we soon learned that Nicky also has CF. I knew I had to take charge of being the “big brother”!
Since birth, we have learnt a great deal about CF. Our bodies produce sticky mucus within the lungs that is extremely difficult to remove. This often leads to lung infections and pneumonia. Sometimes, these types of illnesses lead people with CF to undergo lung transplants.
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We battle the effects of Cystic Fibrosis on a daily basis. There are various daily medicines that we have to take. We have to use a nebulizer twice a day, which vaporizes medicines so that they go straight to our airways. We also have to wear my “super vest” twice a day, which pounds our back and chest to break up any mucus that is in our system. All of this is important because it helps to keep our lungs clear.
“Nick & Hayden’s Heroes” is a group of family and friends who are working hard to raise awareness about Cystic Fibrosis. For the Fourth year, these special people, along with Arthur Murray Dance Studios, are presenting “Dancing with the Pittsburgh Stars for CF” Gala. The event will take place on Friday, September 10, 2010 at the Four Points Sheraton North in Cranberry Township. Just like the TV show, our stars will learn dances from Arthur Murray instructors and compete in a dance competition.
This year, some of our celebrity dancers include Sally Wiggin, WTAE News Anchor, Amber Nicotra, (Aunt Amber) WTAE News Reporter, and Craig Bingham, retired Steeler Linebacker, – and a few others are still looking for their dancing shoes. There will also be some very special guests and some of the best food (25 different food purveyors) that you could ever ask for. The John Parker Band plays great music that everyone can dance to and the whole night is full of fun and entertainment. Even better, all of the money we raise goes to help researchers find a cure for kids like Nicky and me!
Nicky and I put on our tuxedos and went to the event last year (until it was time for bed) and we had a blast! We hope that we see you there this year. Please help us raise awareness and funds for CF. Please help Nicky, and me and other children like us, literally breathe a little easier when we think about our future!
Thank you so much and see you on September 10!
Blessings to you all for your wonderful support!
Hayden and Nicky Klein
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