Our founder, KC Cook, was diagnosed at just one year old with Cystic Fibrosis. At 32 years old, he has made it his mission to live each day to the fullest, and take no breath for granted.
As a race car driver, coach, and mentor- he has adopted the philosophy to “live fast”; a phrase that represents not only his passion for motorsports, but his dedication to making the most out of life. The Boost Foundation is “driven” to make a positive impact for those living with this terminal condition through education to the public, providing once in a lifetime motorsport experiences to those with CF, and giving a face to this profoundly complex disease.
There are currently about 30,000 children and adults living with Cystic Fibrosis. In recent years, researchers have developed a medicine that targets CF’s cause, rather than its symptoms. These drugs, ivacaftor (Kalydeco) and lumacaftor/ivacaftor (Orkambi), and Trikafta (elexacaftor/tezacaftor/ivacaftor and ivacaftor) are part of a class of drugs known as cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators. Patients have seen major gains in lung function and overall health. This is not a cure for Cystic Fibrosis, and unfortunately, these CFTR modulators only work for 90% of the gene specific mutations. KC finds himself in the 10% that cannot be helped by current CFTR modulators.
In an effort to raise awareness, and an understanding of this genetic disease, we encourage you to do some research to learn more about how to help and understand. As of 2023, there remains to be a cure.
Why start a charity? Why, “The Boost Foundation”?
We knew that we wanted to bring more attention to the CF community, while being able to share KC’s passions for motorsports. Bringing both together paved the way to achieve a greater purpose.
Given that this is a terminal illness, you might not think that “racing” and “motorsports” are the ideal activities or sport to be around for someone suffering from this condition. KC would agree that is a valid argument. However, our founder has takes pride in not being a slave to this disease. Instead, he hopes to show others that it is possible to embrace it; and chase whatever dream or activity that makes you happy, even if it means sacrifice, even if someone said there was "limitations".
When coming up with the name, we needed something that tied both motorsports and cystic fibrosis together. At first, this seemed like an impossible task. Then, it clicked.
Boost: /bo͞ost/ verb: to intensify the speed or power of a vehicle by increasing oxygen flow to engine.
If anyone knows cars, they know how a turbo-charger works… forced air induction to create more horse-power, or “Boost”. Insert the “aha” moment where we realized how similar this principle is to anyone living with CF. We need that air induction to keep us moving as best as we can, as strong as we can, and are always looking to strengthen and increase our supply. If you take a look at our logo, one would say the “B” is oddly shaped. You are right. That is because it is called a turbo-charger, the component that is responsible for creating boost. Now here we are, tying motorsports and cystic fibrosis together in the most unexpected, but relatable way - “The Boost Foundation”.
The rest is history in the making.
