Tulane keeps up the fight against cystic fibrosis
Tulane students continue to support Emily"s Entourage to raise funds for cystic fibrosis research by buying T-shirts and attending a benefit party. (Photo from Emily"s Entourage)
What started four years ago as a small-scale fundraiser for cystic fibrosis has become a national organization with a strong local chapter at Tulane University that was launched by Coby Kramer-Golinkoff, who graduated with from the A. B. School of Business in 2013.
The idea was simple: Sell T-shirts to raise money and awareness for the disease. It has since expanded to become a popular organization, raising money and working with scientists to find a cure for the inherited, life-threatening disorder that damages the lungs and digestive system.
Senior Julia Kramer-Golinkoff is president of the Emily"s Entourage club at Tulane University this year. She and Coby Kramer-Golinkoff are the siblings of Emily, the name behind the cause.
On Friday night, March 6, Tulane students in a swarm of purple could be seen heading toward buses that would take them to the Emily"s Entourage benefit party at The Willow, 8200 Willow St., which was sold out and featured live performances from student bands.
“Over the past couple of years, I have watched as my sister"s health has declined, as breathing has become harder and harder,” Julia Kramer-Golinkoff said. “Emily"s Entourage, and this event, have the possibility of changing her life.”
Emily"s Entourage was an overwhelming success this year, selling every T-shirt before the event and raising more than $14,000.
“I have been absolutely blown away by Tulane"s support over the past four years,” said Kramer-Golinkoff. “The energy and camaraderie that students create means so much.”
Over 30,000 other people in the United States have cystic fibrosis, and Emily"s Entourage is fighting to find a solution and enhance the lives of these thousands, Kramer-Golinkoff said. A scientific advisory board of committed and experienced researchers, clinicians and healthcare industry leaders set the research priorities for Emily"s Entourage and also approve and oversee the organization"s research projects.
Claire Davenport is a first-year student at Tulane University, majoring in English and political science.
“Emily's Entourage at Tulane is about unifying our student body to rally behind a common cause.”—Julia Kramer-Golinkoff, senior Tulane University student
