LAcarGUY has been working for many years to raise money for the fight against Cystic Fibrosis, a terrible decease that effects the respiratory system. LAcarGUY has been donating $300 for every touchdown USC has scored this year to the fight against CF, the prolific USC offense rang up 56 touchdowns this year bring the total LAcarGUY donation for 2011 to $16,500! Last year LAcarGUY donated $15,900, so we are happy to donate even more money this year.

For those that are not familiar with the disease, Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs, but can also target the pancreas, liver and intestines. It is characterized by abnormal transport of chloride and sodium across epithelium, leading to thick, viscous secretions.

CF is caused by a mutation in the gene for the protein cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR). This gene is required to regulate the components of sweat, digestive juices, and mucus. Although most people without CF have two working copies of the CFTR gene, only one is needed to prevent cystic fibrosis. CF develops when neither gene works normally and therefore has autosomal recessive inheritance.

The Pipeline to a Cure Campaign was created to herald the discovery by Australian researchers who found that Cystic Fibrosis children that surfed had significantly healthier lungs. Doctors determined that inhaling saltwater mist has a powerful effect on rehydrating the lining of the lungs, which allows CF patients to more easily eliminate bacteria-contaminated mucus. This discovery led researchers to develop a hypertonic saline solution, which CF patients around the world now inhale every day. In essence, CF patients now mimic a “surf session” on a daily basis.

Because of this amazing discovery, the surfing community has adopted the Pipeline To A Cure Campaign to help raise money and awareness to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Legendary Waterman Laird Hamilton and Dave Kalama have stamped their names on Pipeline and for the last three years have been dedicated to the fight. Included with Laird and Dave are Rob Machado, Lisa Anderson, Tom Curren and PT Townsend. They have all lent their time and talents to promotePipeline to a Cure and help find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. Since its creation in 2008, Pipeline To A Cure has raised over 1.3 million dollars to fight Cystic Fibrosis.