What began as a musical tribute to a family member fighting a devastating disease has taken off into an unstoppable phenomenon. More than ten years ago, brothers Max and Cole Becker formed the band Emily’s Army in honor of their parent’s best friends’ daughter, affectionately referred to as their “cousin,” Emily Daskas, who fights for every breath as she battles Cystic Fibrosis, an inherited disease that attacks the lungs and digestive system.
Joined by Seb Mueller and Joey Armstrong, the band, recently renamed SWMRS, has become a force in creating their own musical genre while generously supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s search for a cure. The band members, Max and Cole’s siblings sister Marki and brother Cade, along with their parents Tami and Mark Becker are now being honored by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Pipeline To a Cure gala on July 16, at the Hyatt Regency Resort and Spa in Huntington Beach.
“My cousin Emily was not expected to live past 12. Thanks to some incredible medical breakthroughs she is expected to live into her 30’s but there’s no cure and she battles this disease hard every day,” says 22-year-old Max Becker, the band’s lead guitarist. “We’ve dedicated our music to her fight.”
The band recently released a new album, Drive North, and is planning another international tour this summer. These passionate young rockers also receive guidance and encouragement from Joey Armstrong’s father, rock n’ roll legend, Billie Joe Armstrong of Green Day.
Over the years, Mark and Tami Becker have not only helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars through hosting and participating in CF fundraisers; but also, each of their four children have dedicated extensive time and energy to the cause while awaiting the day when CF stands for Cure Found.
On July 16th the Becker Family and SWMRS will join Chairman Judy Burlingham and Honorary Co-Chairmen and Waterman Laird Hamilton, Dave Kalama, Kai Lenny and Jamie Mitchell at the ninth annual Pipeline to a Cure gala will join family and SWMRS. This event was created to celebrate the amazing benefits that surfing brings to the CF community.
Pipeline to a Cure celebrates the discovery that cystic fibrosis children who surfed had significantly healthier lungs. Australian researchers determined that inhaling saltwater mist has a powerful effect on rehydrating the lining of the lungs, which allows individuals with cystic fibrosis to more easily eliminate bacteria-contaminated mucus. This discovery led to the development of hypertonic saline solution, which individuals with cystic fibrosis around the world now inhale every day. In essence, individuals with cystic fibrosis now mimic a “surf session” on a daily basis.
Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States (70,000 worldwide). A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs and leads to life-threatening lung infections, and obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.
With no public funding, funds raised from the private sector provide a tremendous and critical lifeline to the more than 70,000 children around the world with cystic fibrosis. The last three events attracted a groundswell of support from the business and surf communities. Current and past sponsors include American Airlines, Audi, LAcarGUY, Coast Benefit Consultants, BJ’s Restaurants, Nick Alexander Imports, Kaiser Permanente, Constellation Brands (Pacifico), Quiksilver, Volcom, HB Surf School, Newport Surf Camp, Coca-Cola, The Habit, Raj Manufacturing, TOMS, Kid Creature, Wahoo’s Fish Taco, Modern Health, CBS Sports, Health Management Services, Newport Beach Aquatic Center, Pepsi, Quikblade, Surf Industry Manufacturers Association, Skilled Pharmacy, Smart & Final, Time & Alarm Systems, Rutan & Tucker and KROQ.
The Pipeline to a Cure VIP luau begins at 4:30 followed by silent and live auctions, a gourmet dinner, and special musical guests. Tickets for the event are $500. Table and other sponsorships are available. For more information about Pipeline to a Cure or the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, please call (714) 938-1393 or visit www.pipelinetoacure.com.
About Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, a nonprofit donor-supported organization, is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment, and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care. The Foundation is the leading organization in the United States devoted to cystic fibrosis. It funds and accredits more than 115 CF care centers, 95 adult care programs and 50 affiliate programs, and has 80 chapters and branch offices nationwide.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is one of the most efficient organizations of its kind. It has received a four-star rating for sound fiscal management from Charity Navigator, the largest independent charity evaluator in the United States and is an accredited charity of the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance. The Foundation’s business model has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health and by publications such as Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and BusinessWeek.
