65 roses. This phrase is often used in reference to cystic fibrosis; in fact, the origin of 65 roses is a young boy who couldn’t properly pronounce the name of his disease. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation now uses “65 roses” in many fundraising efforts and educational initiatives. But now, a father from New Hampshire is taking 65 roses to the next level by pledging to get 65 rose tattoos if he can raise $650K.

Beverly Stoddart of InDepthNH.org reports that Donald Kreis decided to take this plunge in support of both the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and his daughter Rose, who has cystic fibrosis. Earlier this year, during a conversation with a Foundation volunteer, Kreis joked that getting 65 rose tattoos would be dedication to the cause—and a great way to raise awareness. But the idea hung heavy in his head. As his 65th birthday approaches, he finally decided to take the plunge, sharing the slogan: “Make that geezer get those tattoos.” 

However, Kreis—who currently has no tattoos—added an addendum to his goal. To make the 65 tattoos happen, he wanted to raise $650K for the Annual Fund of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Initially, his goal sat around $65,000 but his daughter urged him to think bigger. 

On his fundraising page, Kreis shares:

All donations made online at this site before midnight on the last night of 2023 will count toward the $650,000. So will checks payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and received by me at 292 Pleasant Street, Concord, New Hampshire 03301 on or before December 30, 2023.

If you’d like to donate to the cause and start edging Kreis in the direction of his 65 tattoos, you can donate here. 

About Cystic Fibrosis (CF)

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive genetic disorder that damages the respiratory system, digestive system, and other areas of the body. CFTR gene mutations alter the way salt movement is regulated. As a result, people with this condition have thick, sticky mucus that accumulates in their system. This buildup causes inflammation and infections, blocks digestive enzymes, and makes it more difficult to breathe. It is more common in Caucasian newborns than those of other racial and ethnic backgrounds. While this disorder once came with a poor prognosis, treatment advances have significantly improved lifespan; as of April 2023, cystic fibrosis is no longer an automatic qualifier for Make-A-Wish. 

Symptoms associated with this disorder may include:

• Frequent respiratory infections
• Persistent coughing and wheezing
• Exercise intolerance
• Shortness of breath
• Poor weight gain
• A stuffy nose
• Infertility in males
• Greasy, foul-smelling stools
• Salty-tasting skin
• Constipation
• Intestinal blockage (in newborns)
• Nasal polyps
• Clubbed fingers and toes