"The Legacy Foundation is a non-profit organization that was created by former NFL player, Colton Underwood to empower people with cystic fibrosis to live fully, dream big, and support each other."
FIrst of all, What is Cystic Fibrosis?
The Legacy Foundation website describes Cystic Fibrosis (CF) as a life-threatening genetic disease that primarily affects the lungs and digestive system. An estimated 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide) have CF, with roughly 1,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Cystic Fibrosis causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. People living with CF undergo a daily treatment and medication regimen in order to clear their lungs and maintain their health. These treatments can greatly improve the life span, and quality of life, for CF patients, but unfortunately, they can be time consuming and expensive.How does Colton Underwood’s Legacy Foundation help?
The Legacy Foundation’s mission is to minimize the challenges that come with accessing the optimal treatment, and empower people with CF to “live fully, dream big, and support each other.” Founded in 2015 by former NFL Linebacker (and current Bachelor!), Colton Underwood, the Legacy Foundation raises funds for research, and provides equipment and resources for people of all ages living with Cystic Fibrosis. Since its founding, the Legacy Foundation has given nearly $100,000 in cash and equipment donations to CF patients, clinics, and research organizations focused on treating people living with CF. This includes:- $60,000 raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation during three football camps to support clinical studies and research.
- $10,000 raised for the Cystic Fibrosis Clinic at a Children’s Hospital to purchase aerodynamic bikes and medical equipment for patients
- Visits to children’s hospitals with NFL players to brighten the day of patients.
- Partnered with International Biophysics, the makers of AffloVest, to provide 50 AffloVests to CF patients across the United States through the Legacy Project.