Unmasking Mindfulness

Unmasking Mindfulness is an 8-week meditation program that utilizes live online webinars, educational video content, and in person one-on-one instruction to provide a platform for mental health coping tools in the CF community. Unmasking Mindfulness educates the CF community on how to practice mindfulness and meditation with a proven scientific based method. Piper’s Angels Foundation has partnered with Matt Cardone Meditation to offer this collaborative and innovative social program for the CF community. Matt Cardone is a meditation teacher with over 10,000 thousands of hours of experience adopting ancient wisdom practices of the east for the modern demands of the west. These two organizations have come together to mitigate the detrimental psychosocial effects of cystic fibrosis.

View our Frequently Asked Questions or find out How To Apply below!

The unmasking mindfulness program was such a timely gift! I wear many hats - wife, mom to 3 busy boys, friend, meteorologist, and Cystic Fibrosis patient. It can be easy and tempting to spend my days checking tasks off my mental list. I often find myself distracted by all I need to accomplish. In the hustle, I'm left feeling like I'm doing everything halfway. With the mindfulness program led by Matt Cordone, I was able to prioritize being "still" and learn the grace-filled practice of meditation. Through this process, I've realized that in taking time for myself each day- to mentally declutter and recenter- I am able to pour out more of myself to those around me, present and engaged. Managing Cystic Fibrosis can feel like climbing up a sandy hill. Unmasking Mindfulness has shown me the importance of paying attention to and appreciating my body, rather than only fighting against my genes and being disappointed in the way I was made. Being still each day has allowed me to face the darker fears and emotions I try to ignore. I'm so thankful to Piper's Angels and Matt Cardone for allowing me to understand and explore mindfulness and meditation.

- Jackie Miller

Who can apply?

This style of meditation is a process that is simple to learn and open to anyone of any age or physical ability. It requires no special equipment and can be done almost anywhere making it the perfect addition to improve the wellbeing of the cystic fibrosis community. This program is accepting individuals that have been diagnosed with CF, caregivers, and social workers with expressive interest in committing to an 8-week meditation and mindfulness course.

How much does it cost?

This program is free of cost with gratitude to the hundreds of donors who fundraise and donate throughout the year and during the Crossing for Cystic Fibrosis event.

How are the participants selected?

Each program runs for 8 weeks. There are 4-6 people with CF in each cohort. If you are not selected when you apply, you may be considered during a future cohort.

How many times can I take the program?

The UM program is only available once for each person with CF. However, you may stay in contact with your cohort and support each other through the meditation process and beyond. There is also a Facebook Group titled Unmasking Mindfulness that you may join to share in conversation with other people with CF who have completed Unmasking Mindfulness.

What is meditation?

It is a practice to achieve mental clarity and peace of mind, with greater conscious awareness through an emotionally calm and stable state.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the art of bringing your awareness to the present moment.

How will this help my CF?

Mindfulness and meditation can help relieve emotional and mental stress as well as physical stress. It can help to improve and mitigate GI difficulties, sleep, anxiety, procedural stress, existential distress, PFTs, and other areas of life.

How long does the course last?

Outline of program time schedule:

20-30 min introductory call
3 consecutive days / 90 min session
4 weekly follow up/ support sessions (1hour)
2 bi-weekly follow up/ support sessions (1 hour)
8 weeks in total

What if I cannot commit to the entire length of the course?

Please only sign up for this course if you are able to commit to the entire length of it. This is crucial for learning meditation techniques.

What if I have to drop out?

If you have to drop out of the course, please contact Piper’s Angels Foundation immediately. We understand that at times, emergencies come up.

FAQ

How To Apply

Applicants are required to provide all of the following documents in order to be considered:

1. Application

Fill out the digital application below in full:

Digital application

2. CF Verification Letter from social worker or doctor

Your CF social worker or doctor needs to personally write a verification letter (on hospital letterhead) confirming CF diagnosis and verifying that your request for financial assistance is necessary for a "medically related" need that will impact the health of the CF applicant if not paid.
Emailed directly to UM@pipersangels.org from the social worker’s or doctor’s email.

3. Photo Submission: Send one (1) photo of the reality of what CF looks like for you. These photos serve the purpose of enlightening and educating people to the realities of life with CF and thus inspiring more people to donate to the Piper’s Angels Foundation programs to help more CF families in need.

MUST be JPG or PNG files. NO PDFs
Must be original raw photos. Cannot have filters, be edited, or be a screenshot.
1 photo of what the reality of cystic fibrosis looks like for you
Email to UM@pipersangels.org with applicants name in subject line and the word PHOTO

**For individuals with privacy concerns please email us if you are not comfortable submitting your video. We respect your needs and boundaries and this will not hinder you from receiving the grant/program participation.

4. Photo/Video Release Form