FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Erin Cooper
301-809-5458 (office)
301-832-8286 (cell)
ecooper@milcorp.com
The MIL Corporation will join the Woodburn family in their fight against Cystic Fibrosis in next month’s 5K walk supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
BOWIE, Md.—April 30, 2012—The MIL Corporation (MIL) Systems Analyst, Casey Woodburn and his wife April will never forget the day their friend and Physicians Assistant, Jennifer Cheeseman-Trost, came to their house to discuss the results of their son’s newborn screening test. In the short five-weeks since his birth, their son, Waylon, had lost significant weight, battled a serious cough and struggled with terrible reflux.
“I can still hear the words Jennifer spoke to me that day,” said April Woodburn. “Those words—‘I’m so sorry, Waylon has Cystic Fibrosis’ still ring in my head, as that day changed my life forever.”
CF is a chronic genetic disease that affects the lungs and digestive systems of approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. Those who suffer from the disease carry a defective gene that causes the body to produce a thick mucus, which clogs the lungs and obstructs the pancreas leading to serious and life threatening medical issues.
Waylon is now three-years-old thanks to his family’s love and support. The Woodburns are continuously busy fighting the root of the problem by supporting fundraisers that aim to find a cure for CF.
Last year, alongside family and friends, Casey and April launched the first annual Great Strides Walk in Leonardtown, Md. The 2011 Leonardtown walk rose over $46K, the second highest amount for a first-year walk in the entire United States. Wanting to help his family’s cause, MIL proudly joined Casey by donating to the walk last year and is onboard again this year as a Community Level Sponsor and team MIL Cares participant.
“MIL truly looks forward to standing by the Woodburns and all affected by CF at the walk next month,” said MIL Communications Specialist and MIL Cares Team Captain, Erin Cooper. “Being able to help such an important cause as an organization really brings our employees together and reminds us just how precious life is. Team MIL Cares will definitely be doing lots of fundraising and will be there with our walking-shoes on in May!”
MIL continuously strives to support community service efforts through its program, MIL CARES (Celebrates, Acknowledges, Responds, Energizes, and Strengthens). The fight against CF holds a special place in the heart of MIL, as it supports more than one of our employees’ families affected by CF. For the past two years, MIL has also sponsored the CFF’s Joker’s Wild Casino Night fundraiser event, which is held annually in the D.C. area.
“We chose Great Strides because it benefits the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and nearly 90 cents of every dollar goes directly toward CF research,” said April. “We are so happy and grateful for MIL in its support for this cause, which is so near and dear to our hearts!”
This past year brought a very huge advancement for those families battling CF. On January 31, 2012, the very first drug that treats the underlying cause of CF was released: Kalydeco. Prior, patients were only able to receive treatments that tended to symptoms of CF. Although this is a huge breakthrough, the drug only treats about 4% of the CF population.
This makes fundraisers like Great Strides even more important.
“For the first time we can say we have the science, now all we need is the funding!” April said. “We are on the verge of something huge.”
Young Waylon Woodburn has certainly shown true strength over the last few years. He has fought several lung infections, endures daily breathing treatments, chest physical-therapy, special diets, and a multitude of medications in addition to routine trips to see his doctors and visit the hospital.
To help Waylon and others struggling with CF, please join the Woodburns and MIL by making a donation or signing up to walk in this year’s Great Strides Walk in Leonardtown, Md. The event will take place on Saturday, May 19, 2012, and will begin at the Leonardtown Wharf.
To learn more about the cause, visit the Great Strides Web page at https://www.cff.org/great_strides/ or join team MIL Cares by logging-on to its page at https://www.cff.org/Great_Strides/milcares.
About MIL
The MIL Corporation (MIL), a CMMI® Level 3 certified company established in 1980, provides agencies of the Federal government with outstanding professional services in the areas of financial management, information technology, and C4 engineering. With a staff of nearly 500 professionals, MIL provides innovative solutions to Federal government customers, including the U.S. Departments of the Navy, Commerce, State, and Transportation. MIL continuously seeks to provide solutions that fit the vision, requirements, and resources of our valued customers. For more information, please visit: https://www.milcorp.com