It is extremely rare for a high school student to successfully accomplish goals that he or she may set for oneself that often appear to be too unrealistic to accomplish. However, Nick Dell'Omo (’05) has certainly demonstrated his ability to exceed even his own high standards.

Ever since elementary, Dell'Omo has been on a mission to raise money to generously donate to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. At a young age, he raised approximately $1,500 through a swim-a-thon held at his swim club during one summer, in addition to going door-to-door to ask for donations.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disorder which is diagnosed at birth. One can not acquire this disorder later in his or her lifetime. One abnormal gene is responsible for creating thick mucus which can ultimately lead to severe lung infections. The thick substance can also cause problems in the pancreas, in which digestive enzymes are unable to reach the intestines, where food is broken down and absorbed. About 30,000 people in the United Sates are affected with cystic fibrosis.

“I have cystic fibrosis, so that was a huge driving force in most of the efforts I have put towards benefiting this foundation,” said Dell'Omo.

As Vice President of the sophomore class in high school, Nick wanted to continue his efforts to raise money for this genetic disorder. He teamed up with sophomore class President, Brad Silnutzer (’05), to organize a charity run/walk, in which all proceeds would be donated to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. This event was held in April of 2003 at Penny Packer Park. About 150 people participated in the run/walk. Prior to the fundraiser, cystic fibrosis dollar cards were sold to students at lunch, in which students paid one dollar to write their name on cards that were hung up on a bulletin board at school. Overall, Dell'Omo managed to raise about $8,000 to donate to the foundation.

The following year in the spring of 2004, another run/walk was held at Cooper River Park. This time, about 200 people participated in the event, raising about $10,000.

Although time did not permit Dell'Omo to organize the charity with all of the extensive details that were needed to make this event a success this year, Nick was dedicated and devoted enough to determine an alternative method to raise money. As a result, this high school student got the senior class involved in selling “Breathe” bands, similar to the “Livestrong” bands, each costing two dollars. This charity project raised over $2,000.

“Although having cystic fibrosis hasn’t really prevented me from doing anything significant, it has been a big factor in my life. I play a lot of sports, especially soccer, and it is sometimes very difficult for me to play, but I just have to work through it and train harder,” said Dell'Omo.

With all of his time and efforts he has put toward assisting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Dell'Omo is surely proving to everyone that he can truly make a difference in other people’s lives.