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Rallying together

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Twelve-year-old Maddie Hagler has a smile that’s contagious. You can usually find the Pizitz Middle School sixth-grader hanging out with friends or playing soccer. She also recently made the middle school cheerleading squad. 

What many may not know is that Maddie was born with cystic fibrosis, a life-threatening disorder that causes severe damage to the lungs and digestive system. Her regular routine involves daily medications and a vest that helps with her breathing. 

This month, the Vestavia Hills community has an opportunity to support Maddie and others like her in the area. The fourth annual Wing Ding, a hot wing challenge and festival, will return to the Vestavia Hills City Center on May 30. All proceeds will benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

The search for a cure

Maddie’s father, Clay Hagler, is the board president of the foundation’s Alabama chapter. As he’s watched his daughter grow up, he’s been excited to see important milestones happen in research with new drugs being used to treat the disease. He said his daughter has handled everything quite well, and he has been impressed with other children he’s seen fighting CF. 

“It’s wonderful to see these children have a sense of maturity about it,” he said. “It really instills in them a sense of helping others.”

Cystic fibrosis affects approximately 30,000 children and adults in the United States. It produces a mucus that clogs the lungs and stops natural enzymes from helping the body break down and absorb food.

When the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation was established in 1955, children with CF rarely lived long enough to attend elementary school. Today, many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.  

“CF patients may spend significant time in the hospital, and average 30 pills a day plus two 45-minute breathing treatments as part of their daily routine,” said Jennifer McEuen, associate executive director of the foundation’s Alabama chapter.

The organization funds research and drug development, ensures treatment access and implements newborn screening for CF.

Hot sauce and cool music

The Wing Ding began as a 2011 Leadership Vestavia Hills class project. The class sought to create an event that broke age barriers and brought the entire Vestavia Hills community out to celebrate together. They chose to support the fight against cystic fibrosis not only to raise awareness for community members suffering from the disease, but also because they felt the organization was a good steward of its funds.

“This CF event is completely community-based,” said Clay, who has participated in many CF events and walks through the years. “We started out raising several thousand dollars, and it’s just grown bigger every year. All the money goes to research.”

Event Chair Lilla Hood said they hope to eventually host the event at the new City Hall, which is expected to be complete this fall. 

“We have a great community, but we don’t really have a downtown like surrounding cities,” said Hood, who was part of the 2011 class that developed Wing Ding. “So to have an event like this where everyone can come together is great. It’s a great time to visit with your neighbors.”

For more about Wing Ding, visit facebook.com/VestaviaWingDing or call Lilla Hood at 585-7564.  

For more about the Alabama chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, visit cff.org/Chapters/alabama/ or call 870-8565.

4th annual Vestavia Hills Wing Ding

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