Closing The Gap Foundation
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is Closing the Gap Foundation?
In 2016, two best friends, Matt Gavis and Jake Reynolds (who battles and continues to overcome Cystic Fibrosis), started a golf tournament to raise money for Cystic Fibrosis (CF). We have since grown, extended our outreach, and took a step forward and became a certified 501(c)3 non-profit charity in 2020. Closing the Gap Foundation has since raised over $120,000 for Cystic Fibrosis.
As a certified 501(c)3 non-profit charity, the organization has full control over how funds are used. Closing the Gap strives to diversify how donations will be used in order to support unique needs of individuals and families affected by Cystic Fibrosis.
Today, our Foundation aims to aid in Cystic Fibrosis Alleviation in 3 main areas:
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Help provide a higher quality of life for those affected with CF
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Educate the public about CF and its continued medical breakthroughs
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Search for a potential cure
Q. What is Cystic Fibrosis?
Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a genetic condition that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems due to a mutation in a gene called the cystic fibrosis transmembrane regulator (CFTR) protein present in the lungs which makes it faulty for the body to use. This causes deteriorating lung function, an impaired digestive system and weakening of other organs which lead people affected by CF to live shortened lifespans. Although there have been great medical advancements resulting in the average life expectancy increasing into the upper 40s, there is still a great deal of work that needs to be done to support all of those with CF. 1
One of the most significant medical advancements is the development of CFTR modulators which improves the function of the faulty CFTR protein and slows the progression of CF lung disease. Currently, research is steadily progressing towards testing for gene therapy, gene editing, anti inflammatory therapies and discovering new antibodies to treat and potentially cure CF in the near future. 2
Q. Where does our Money go and What is the Impact so far?
Through our fundraising events, we have raised more than $250,000 since 2016. With that, we have provided funding towards CF research with organizations such as CF Lifestyle Foundation and Miles for CF. Additionally, we have helped over 50+ individuals with CF who are in need of financial assistance to support them with a variety of needs such as basic living necessities, help to pursue an active lifestyle, and other assistance as needed. Moving forward, we aim to provide support to 20 individuals and more per year with Cystic Fibrosis!
Q. How is Closing The Gap different from any organization working to solve for CF ?
While most organizations focus on the research and development through clinical trials to produce a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, Closing the Gap Foundation places its primary efforts and funds towards improving the quality of life of the affected individuals through grants and partnerships with other organizations. These grants and partnerships raise the overall wellbeing of patients by providing them with physical and emotional assistance. Nonetheless, while our primary focus is on uplifting current patients, we also partner with organizations to fund various research initiatives.
1. Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Patient Registry
2. Lopes-Pacheco, Miquéias. “CFTR Modulators: The Changing Face of Cystic Fibrosis in the Era of Precision Medicine.” Frontiers, 19 Dec. 2019, www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2019.01662/full.
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