Industry News: Swimming Across The Country Splash for Cystic Fibrosis

ATLANTA, Georgia, June 1. THIS summer, it's possible to enjoy a dip in the pool or a backyard barbecue and support a worthwhile charity at the same time. BioGuard, one of the nation's premier suppliers of pool and spa care products, is partnering with the Laps for Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Foundation on BioGuard Splash for CF, a nationwide fundraiser that gives pool owners, swimmers and supporters the opportunity to make a splash for a good cause. The goal is to get one million people in the pool for CF by July 4.

The concept is simple:

1. Visit www.splashforcf.org to find out how swim clubs and teams, neighborhood groups, individual pool enthusiasts and CF supporters can participate.
2. Register and download forms and information on collecting pledges for swimming, hosting a fundraising pool party or making a donation online.
3. Collect the money raised through pledges or parties and select the local Children's Miracle Network CF care center you want to benefit. Sixty percent of money raised will stay in the local community; the remainder will be donated by the Laps for CF Foundation to CF causes, including the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, to aid in research to lengthen life expectancy and ultimately find a cure for this disease, which is the #1 genetic killer of children.
4. Follow the easy instructions for submitting all donations to BioGuard Splash for CF. Swimmers and party hosts also have the opportunity to earn fun prizes with their donation.

The story behind BioGuard Splash for CF lies in the story of Emily Schreiber. Emily was diagnosed with CF in January 2003 at age nine. She organized her first fundraising event, Laps for CF, only six weeks after her diagnosis. An avid swimmer, Emily recruited donors to pledge dollar amounts for each lap she would swim. Now in its sixth year, the Laps for CF event has grown from swimming in a small community pool in Birmingham to two annual swim exhibitions at Auburn University and the University of Alabama, as well as partnering with both the Boomer Esiason Foundation and BioGuard. What began as a local fundraiser is now a successful non-profit with a variety of local and national events, and Emily's efforts have grossed more than $1 million to-date.

Cystic fibrosis is a chronic genetic disease where a defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce a thick, sticky mucus. This mucus clogs the lungs, leading to life-threatening lung infections, and obstructs the pancreas, preventing natural enzymes from helping the body absorb and break down food. Thirty thousand children and adults suffer from CF in the United States. Before 1990, few children with CF lived to attend elementary school. Now, the median life expectancy is 37.

"We want to get a million people making a splash for CF this summer," said Scott Newton, BioGuard brand manager. "They can make a donation to a swimmer or at their local BioGuard dealer, throw a fundraising pool party or visit the website to learn more. We're also encouraging swim clubs to collect pledges for the laps they swim at a meet or practice. Everyone can lend their support and make a difference in their local community."

Many in BioGuard's network of dealers across the country were similarly drawn to Emily's cause. In addition to supporting BioGuard Splash for CF by accepting donations in their stores, many dealers are planning to join in the fun by sponsoring swim teams and pool parties. To find a local dealer, visit www.bioguard.com.

Swim season and BioGuard Splash for CF both hit their peak between Memorial Day and July 4th weekends, but donations are accepted anytime at www.splashforcf.org.

"We fell in love with Emily the first time we heard about her story," said Newton. "It is truly an honor for BioGuard to partner with such a remarkable young lady and help her with her goals of raising awareness about CF and funding local CF care centers."

Additional sponsors of BioGuard Splash for CF include Children's Miracle Network, The Boomer Esiason Foundation and First Commercial Bank.

About Laps for CF Foundation
Laps for CF Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising awareness of cystic fibrosis and providing financial support in all areas of need for CF research, treatment, care and improved quality of life. For more information, visit www.lapsforcf.org.

About BioGuard
Based in Lawrenceville, Ga., BioLab, A Chemtura Company, supplies water treatment products for recreational and industrial applications on a global basis and specialty household consumer products in the U.S. BioGuard is a BioLab brand recognized as one of the nation's premier suppliers of pool and spa products. BioLab is part of the Chemtura family, following the merger of former parent company Great Lakes Chemical Corporation and Crompton Corporation. Chemtura specializes in performance chemicals, crop protection products and pool, spa and home care products. Additional information about Chemtura is available at www.chemtura.com.

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