Mike "Wobby" Wobschall spends his days covering the teamwork of the Minnesota Vikings.
He has also joined forces with another team.
Wobschall teamed up with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to raise funds and spread awareness about the life-threatening genetic disease currently affecting 30,000 children and adults in the United States.
"I'm excited about teaming up with a great organization," Wobschall said. "The opportunity is there to help, and I want to do the best I can."
Wobschall was recognized in May when he was selected as one of the "Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Twin Cities Finest." The program acknowledges 25 local professionals for success in their respective fields and involvement in the community.
"In a way, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation chose me," Wobschall said. "I learned more about the cause, and I've really embraced it. My wife, Ali, has been extremely supportive with this, too, and that has been a big help and source of inspiration for me."
The efforts especially struck home for Wobschall, the father of three young children, when he met the Waterworths, a family directly impacted by cystic fibrosis and active in the efforts to find a cure for the disease. He also became acquainted last season with a young man battling cystic fibrosis, whom Wobschall met through a childhood friend who was recognized as a "CF Twin Cities Finest" in 2015.
"My friend, Nick Rathmann, was recognized through this program last year and he brought his CF buddy to a Vikings game. I was able to have them on the sideline for pregame and got to meet him," Wobschall said. "I saw the difference my friend was making on his life, and I was excited [to make a similar impact]."
The Vikings also have a connection to cystic fibrosis. They hosted Hunter Leavitt, a 20-year-old from Iowa, last fall through the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Leavitt was able to attend a practice, and Adrian Peterson visited with him for a half hour, **sharing words of inspiration**.
The fundraiser, which runs through Sept. 22, will directly benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's mission of finding a cure and providing all sufferers of CF the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatments and ensuring access to high-quality, specialized care.
Wobschall set a goal of raising $15,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and he is asking for help in reaching that mark for a cause near to his heart. You can make a general donation through his TC Finest page by clicking here, or with a minimum $30 donation through this Booster site, one will receive a "Team Wobby" T-shirt.
The idea for a T-shirt came easily for Wobschall, who wanted to bring a feeling of unity to the fundraising effort.
"I really wanted a team of people to help me," Wobschall said. "I want everybody who joins our effort to feel like they're part of a team. And every team should have a uniform. I would love to see people at training camp wearing the t-shirt to show their support so I can spend time to thank them and snap a quick photo."
Cystic fibrosis is a progressive disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. Only 60 years ago, children born with CF rarely lived to see Elementary School. Today, however, thanks to research and medical advances, many people with the disease can now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
It's a cause worth fighting for, and Wobschall is inviting the Vikings fan base to join his team.
"The platform I have as an employee of the Vikings gives me access to a lot of people who are passionate by nature, because they're passionate fans of [the Vikings]," Wobschall said. "They might now share a passion for this cause."
To make a minimum donation of $30 and purchase a "Team Wobby" t-shirt (through July 10), click ****here***. *
To make a general donation to Wobby's campaign (or after July 10), click ****here***. *
