TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Feb. 7, 2012 -

The Florida Senate and House of Representatives passed a joint resolution recognizing Florida State University head football coach Jimbo Fisher, his wife Candi and their Kidz1stFund for their efforts to raise awareness and find a cure for Fanconi anemia. Senator John Thrasher and Representative Jimmy Patronis sponsored the joint resolution.

“It is a privilege to sponsor this resolution for Jimbo and Candi Fisher to raise statewide awareness of Fanconi anemia. I have a great deal of respect for the Fisher family and the contributions they make in so many different arenas, “ said Sen. John Thrasher. “This Resolution is one small way to educate Floridians about this disease and recognize the hard work of Jimbo and Candi Fisher and Kidz1stFund to raise awareness nationally.”

“The Fisher family has done so much for the Tallahassee area and the entire state of Florida, and it is remarkable to see the difference they are making to other families throughout the nation fighting for a cure,” Representative Jimmy Patronis concluded.

Ethan Fisher was diagnosed with Fanconi anemia, a rare blood disorder that affects one in 131,000 people. The Fishers announced his illness in August 2011 in an effort to educate the public on what they could become a treatable disease.

“We never dreamed that we would be going through this hardship,” said head coach Jimbo Fisher. “Candi and I understand that this disease will not define Ethan and it will not define our family.”

"We understand that life does not stop, and we have to do everything we can to fight FA. The money that Kidz1stFund raises will make it possible for researchers to find better treatments and hopefully a cure for Fanconi anemia," said Candi Fisher.

Joining the Fisher family on the Senate floor was Christopher Byrd, a 29-year-old Tallahassee attorney diagnosed with FA at the age of eight. Christopher is a member of the Fanconi Anemia Research Foundation Board, serves as a FA Patient Representative before the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is active in the FA adult community. He is an inspiration to the Fishers and other FA families.

FA results in a decline in the patient’s blood counts over time, eventually leading to bone marrow failure. With a simple cheek swab, people can be entered into the Bone Marrow Registry to see if they can be a match to save someone’s life. To support the Fishers, the members of the FSU football team, women’s basketball team and Marching Chiefs all registered in the National Bone Marrow Registry.

Through different events during the FSU Football season, other sporting events and online fundraising, Kidz1stFund has been able to raise over $500,000 to find a cure for Fanconi anemia.