Boomer Esiason Foundation Seeks 2016-17 ‘Sacks for CF Scholarship’ Applicants

The Boomer Esiason Foundation (BEF) announced the Sacks for CF Scholarship for 2016-17, which are funding grants for college students who have cystic fibrosis (CF).

Awards for undergraduates and graduates of $3,000 to $10,000 are given annually to 30 college students who strive for adherence to daily CF therapy, and based on their academic achievement. The funds are generated by corporate sponsors who make a pledge for every time a quarterback is sacked during the National Football League (NFL)’s Monday Night Football broadcast.

Applicants for the BEF Sacks for CF Scholarship are required to provide the following documentation to be considered:

• Application
• Essays: (1) Discuss the importance of compliance to CF therapies and your daily practice to stay healthy, and (2) discuss your post-graduation goals.
• A recent photo.
• A letter from physician (on letterhead) confirming the applicant’s CF diagnosis and therapy routine.
• Educational transcript (high school, college and/or graduate school).
• A detailed breakdown of tuition costs from the academic institution where the applicant is enrolled.
• A W2 earnings form for both parents.

For more information, visit the Sacks for CF Scholarship Program website:
https://www.esiason.org/cf-living/scholarships/sacks-for-cf-scholarship

The names of the scholarship recipients will be announced on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb.  5, 2017.

BEF sponsors a range of diverse annual fundraising events, and the organization also relies on individual pledges, corporate contributions and philanthropic grants. The foundation’s ultimate goal is to free the world of CF, and in the meantime to improve the lives of persons living with the disease, encouraging and empowering them to fully understand this chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the U.S. (70,000 worldwide).

BEF founder Norman Julius “Boomer” Esiason, whose son, Gunnar, has CF, is a retired NFL quarterback, now a network broadcast color commentator. He also co-hosts the morning sports radio program “Boomer & Carton,” on WFAN in New York. During his 14-year career in the NFL, Esiason played for the Cincinnati Bengals, New York Jets and Arizona Cardinals.

CF is caused by a defective gene and its protein product that make the body produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections. The mucus also obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.