LI's Boomer Esiason's Foundation, NY Riptide Host Benefit For CF

UNIONDALE, NY —In 1993, NFL quarterback and East Islip native Boomer Esiason told Sports Illustrated that he was going to be the biggest enemy that cystic fibrosis ever had. His son Gunnar was diagnosed with the disease, and Esiason founded the Boomer Esiason Foundation.

This Saturday, the foundation and the professional lacrosse team New York Riptide are teaming up for "Riptide CF Night" at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum.

A portion of the proceeds from the game will toward the cause. The Riptide play the Philadelphia Wings at 8 p.m.

Gunnar Esiason is now 30 years old and recently got married, had a son and earned an MBA degree. His father told Newsday last year that recent advancements in cystic fibrosis treatment, and specifically a "miracle" drug called Trikafta have allowed made a huge difference.

“It’s like his life has been totally unlocked,” he said.