Scores Take Frosty Plunge To Fight Cystic Fibrosis: Photos, Video

SOUTHOLD, NY — In a heartfelt outpouring of love and caring, the community gathered at Founders Landing in Southold Sunday and took a frosty plunge to help find a cure for cystic fibrosis.

The Polar Bear Plunge, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, brought out hundreds of participants to the first-time event, ready to brave the cold and plunge into the bay for a cure.

Camryn Koke, 13, who has cystic fibrosis, addressed the crowd, standing beside her mother Jennifer, who helped to organize the event.

"I wasn't going to jump in today, but I am going to jump in for Ericka. Some people are worth freezing for," Camryn said, in an emotional tribute.

Southold's Janet Auer, who lost her beloved daughter Ericka, 18, to cystic fibrosis, said with new treatments emerging, it's important to continue to fund research. Her son also has CF, she said."My children are my heroes," Auer said. "I love them and look up to them. For my son, and all of the other children and adults living with this deadly disease — this is the reason we need to raise funds and find a cure so no one else has to go through what we have."

Camryn also thanked the many who raised donations for Sunday's event. "Thank you for your continued support as we are ever so much closer to a cure," she said.

Jennifer Koke added has long been an advocate of CF research, organizing fundraisers and raising awareness. "We are so thankful to our sponsors, community, family, and friends," Koke said. "Right now is such an important time to fundraise for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation for research. There are so many exciting things happening, there will be a cure in our lifetime. This would not be possible without everyone's support. We are forever grateful."

As for those plunging into the frosty 38-degree water, most took a quick dip and ran for cover inside, where towels, blankets, hot chocolate and chili were available.

Town Assessor Richard Caggiano, who has done plunges for other causes in the past, said one plunge had ice in the water and snow on the ground. "It could be worse," he said.

For years, the community has reached out to raise funds to help Camryn and others battling the disease to find a cure.

Tom Shearin, who was a fishing buddy of Camryn's grandfather and Koke's father Peter Johnstone, raises funds to fight cystic fibrosis in honor of his friend, who died after a battle with cancer in 2010.

After his friend died, Shearin said he wanted to do something to help Camryn, the little granddaughter to whom Johnstone had been so devoted. Koke said her father was at their home every day with donuts, candy and love for Camryn and her other children.

"He used to tell me, 'It's breaking my heart, watching her go through this,'" Shearin said. "The best way to remember him, to honor his memory, is to go out and help them find a cure."

The goal of the Polar Bear Plunge Sunday is to raise funds to further the mission and help extend the lives of those with the disease, Koke said.

The mission of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is to "cure cystic fibrosis and provide all people with the disease the opportunity to lead full, productive lives by funding research and drug development, promoting individualized treatment, and ensuring access to high quality, specialized care," the organization said. "We will not rest until we find a cure for all people with cystic fibrosis."

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is a non-profit organization in the United States established to provide the means to cure and control cystic fibrosis. For more information, click here.

Patch photos, video by Lisa Finn.