65 Roses  is what some children with Cystic Fibrosis call their disease because the words are much easier for them to pronounce.  Mary G Weiss became a volunteer for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in 1965 after learning that her three little boys had CF.  Her duty was to call every civic club, social and service organization seeking financial support for CF research.  Mary’s 4 year old son Richard listened closely to his mother as she made each call.  After several calls Richard came into the room and told his mother “I know what you are working for”.  Mary was dumbstruck because Richard did not know what she was doing, nor did he know that he had cystic fibrosis.  With some trepidation, Mary posed the question. “What am I working for Richard? “Your working for 65 Roses” he answered so sweetly.  Mary was speechless.  She went over to him and tenderly pressed his body to hers.  He could not see the tears running down Mary’s cheeks as she stammered, “Yes Richard, I’m working for 65 Roses.”          

 Printed with permission from Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (USA), www.cff.org,

My grandson Justin was born in November 2000 and within 24 hours had been diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.  This hideous disease attacks  the lungs, the digestive system and sweat glands, but through research for the treatment of this disease, now over 40% of children live beyond the age of 18 years.  I am sure through continuing research we can increase the survival rate and give these children many more tomorrows.!

Please do not share these designs with your friends, this fabulous collection of 65 roses is priced at an affordable price so everyone can enjoy and this would have to be the embroidery bargain of 2006.   

Maureen Russell

Last modified: July 12, 2006