April 20, 2006

Tuscaloosa, AL (CSTV U-WIRE) -- Alabama coaches and athletes are used to being held up as role models, but the Crimson Tide swimming and diving team have turned the table on one young swimmer, calling her their inspiration.

Thirteen-year-old Emily Schreiber of Birmingham was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis four years ago. The genetic disease, which affects 30,000 children and adults in the United States, causes the body to produces very thick and sticky mucus that clogs the lungs. This can lead to severe lung infections.

A few months after her diagnosis, Schrieber decided she was going to hold a swim-a-thon, called Laps for CF, to raise money and awareness for the disease after reading a "Babysitter's Club" book by Ann M. Martin called "Karen's New Bike."

She began with a door-to-door campaign, and after holding two events in Birmingham and two in Auburn with the Auburn swimming and diving team, Schreiber is bringing her event to Alabama after talking with head coach Eric McIlquham in the fall.

"Emily approached us in late September or early October about it," he said. "She's a very inspiring young lady, who at such a young age is having to deal with a lot. She's just taken the hand she's been dealt and is running with it."

"The coaches have been so nice," Schreiber said. "The swimmers have done all kinds of stuff. They're in the top 15 in the nation, and to take time out for our event is phenomenal."

After raising more than $500,000 for cystic fibrosis, Schreiber is still amazed at the attention and support Laps for CF has garnered.

"It's been incredible because our first year's goal was $3,000, and it's gotten so much bigger with the support of the community, which has been fabulous," Schreiber said.

Schreiber and the Alabama swim team will open up the aquatic center at 1 p.m. Saturday to host the first Crimson Tide version of Laps for CF.

"I think it's a great event," McIlquham said. "It really helps us and showcases the University, but we're here to help with the CF Foundation and her cause."

Alabama's swimmers got to meet Schreiber for the first time in the fall when she came to ask them to be a part of the foundation.

"She's been around and come to several events, so they've gotten to know her over the past few months and have really taken a liking to her and embraced her," McIlquham said. "We want to do everything we can to help her out."

Schreiber will swim 100 laps as part of the fundraiser, and there will be swimming and diving exhibitions performed by Alabama's athletes.

There will also be a live band and a catered lunch provided by Outback Steakhouse after the showcase. The public is welcome to attend, with tickets available for $5 at the door.

To date, Laps for CF has raised over $500,000. This year's goal, set at $300,000, is close to being reached.

Schreiber already hosted this year's Auburn event on April 8 and has high hopes for this weekend. She said she has no problem with some people using the motivation to raise more funds than the Auburn community did to help get people to come out for the cause Saturday.

"I like how the rivalry between the two benefits our cause, but I can't take sides," Schreiber said. "I'm a Vandy fan."

(C) 2006 The Crimson White via CSTV U-WIRE