Boshamps Seafood & Oyster House has been serving Destin, FL with authentic Gulf seafood, well-mixed libations, and live music for years. But that isn’t the only way Boshamps has made a local impact! According to WKRG, Boshamps held the 8th annual “Bojamz” event on March 25, 2023 to raise cystic fibrosis awareness and funds for the Wright family, whose children Merritt and Campbell were both diagnosed with the disease.

Prior to raising funds for the Wright family, Bojamz used all its donations to support children in underserved areas around the globe. But when Miller Phillips, the owner of Boshamps, saw the Wrights struggling, he knew that he had to step in. This year, Bojamz included live music, a silent auction, and a 2,500-pound crawfish boil—yum! Even though the funds support the Wright family, additional funds are also donated to support cystic fibrosis research. Over the years, Bojamz has raised more than $100,000 and helped Merritt and Campbell get started on TRIKAFTA.  

The Wrights are so thankful for the community support. Since they began their journey in 2016, they have wondered what it means for Merritt and Campbell. TRIKAFTA treatment has helped; the boys are breathing better, have gained weight, and are healthier overall. But that hasn’t stopped the Wright family from continuing to raise awareness and search for a cure. You can learn more about their story here. 

Understanding Cystic Fibrosis (CF) 

CFTR gene mutations cause cystic fibrosis, a rare genetic disorder that causes progressive respiratory and digestive system damage. Normally, this gene regulates salt movement throughout the body. In CF, the mutations alter this regulation. As a result, people with cystic fibrosis have thick, sticky mucus which can trap bacteria, clog airways, and make it more difficult to absorb necessary nutrients. It is most common in Caucasian individuals but may occur in those of other backgrounds as well. Symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath and/or difficulty breathing
• Persistent coughing and wheezing
• Stuffy nose
• Exercise intolerance 
• Recurrent lung infections 
• Greasy and foul-smelling stools 
• Constipation
• Salty-tasting skin
• Intestinal blockage (in infants) 
• Poor weight gain
• Infertility (in males) 

There is no cure for cystic fibrosis, though there are a number of treatment options available. These include TRIKAFTA, pancreatic enzymes, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, bronchodilators, physical and vest therapies, and surgery.