CONTACT: Arri Burgess,Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation of Washington State, 206-718-2728, arri@starlight-washington.org

SEATTLE (April 16, 2007)— It is rare when a vision becomes reality. Rarer still is when a joyful memory is frozen in time, or in this case, blown into glass. When the artist has spent the majority of his 12 years fighting Cystic Fibrosis, in and out of hospitals and enduring many treatments, those happy moments are often more elusive. As a result, these fragments of time become more precious than anything; immortalizing them is priceless.

Josiah Cramer, a 12-year old boy from Tumwater afflicted with Cystic Fibrosis, has seen his vision become reality. As part of a “Great Escape” activity organized by the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation, many critically ill Tacoma youths spent some time at the Museum of Glass doing drawings that they would like to see blown into glass. The artists then went through the designs and chose one to blow into glass. Josiah created a drawing of “Electroman”. In late February, a glass artist blew life into Josiah’s drawing and the piece was put on display at the Museum of Glass in Tacoma.

After the Museum brought young Josiah’s creation to life, it went on display in the museum for several months much to the liking of the Museum’s patrons. Josiah’s whole family is ecstatic. His mother, Loralin, is moved to tears. “It makes me want to cry to know that there will be one of Josiah’s creations in a museum!” Now, the Cramer family will be able to enjoy Josiah’s piece from the comfort of their home as the Museum is releasing the artwork to the Cramer family.

Josiah Cramer has been a patient at Children’s Hospital for several years fighting Cystic Fibrosis. He has two younger brothers, Joshua and Joseph, and a younger sister, Christalin, who is also fighting Cystic Fibrosis.

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. 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 also obstructs the pancreas and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food. In the 1950s, few children with cystic fibrosis lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatments have further enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.

The creation of Josiah’s piece was made possible by the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation’s “Great Escapes” Program which allows critically ill children and their families to escape the rigors of medical treatment. The program is a staple of the Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation and for years has helped families enjoy moments of “normalcy” through sporting events and other family outings.

About Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation of Washington State:

Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping seriously ill children and their families cope with the pain, fear and isolation of prolonged illness through entertainment, educational programs and family activities. Starlight Starbright programs are designed to distract children from their pain, help them better understand and manage their illnesses and connect families with others facing similar challenges so that no one feels alone. Starlight Starbright Washington touches the lives of over 6,000 children and their families each month through over 80 in-hospital programs and various out-patient events. To volunteer, support or learn more about Starlight, contact 425-861-7827 or visit www.starlight-washington.org.