‘Breathe Easy’, a song written to raise awareness of cystic fibrosis, has been listed on the ballot for the 66th Grammy Awards. The song was launched on 65 Roses Day, April 14th, 2023 to fundraise on behalf of Cystic Fibrosis Ireland.
Cork singer-song writer Myles Gaffney and his wife Grace, wrote the song in memory of their niece Ciara Curran O'Gorman, a person with cystic fibrosis. Ciara passed away due to cystic fibrosis complications when she was 24, ten days after the birth of her baby boy, Rocco.
“There is such a lack of awareness around CF. I wanted to write a song to remember Ciara and at the same time, help people know the impact this condition can really have,” explains Myles.
Following Ciara’s passing, Myles channelled his emotions and memories of her into music, taking inspiration from stories of Ciara from her friends and family and creating ‘Breathe Easy’. Myles felt only a female voice could perform the song and brought Stephanie Rainey, a musician also from Cork, on board.
“This song hit home for me because the first time I heard it, I had just become a Mum myself. I can’t imagine the loss on all sides. It’s heartbreaking, yet in the middle of it all, there is the gift that is Rocco,” says Stephanie.
‘Breathe Easy’ has been viewed over 110,000 times on Stephanie Rainey’s social media platforms and as part of the overall 65 Roses Day campaign in 2023, helped to raise €336,432. These funds help Cystic Fibrosis Ireland provide essential services and supports for people living with cystic fibrosis in Ireland. The Grammy nominations will be formally announced on the 10th November 2023, with the awards taking place on the 4th February 2024.
Philip Watt, CEO of CFI says, “It is a privilege that Myles chose to release this song on 65 Roses Day in memory of his niece while raising funds and awareness for CFI. CF care in Ireland has come so far, but there is still so much to do and we are so grateful to all those who take on a 65 Roses Day initiative in support of people with CF in Ireland.
“Being nominated for a Grammy is such a great achievement. We wish Myles, Grace and Stephanie all the best wishes with it - we’ll be rooting for you!”
65 Roses Day 2024 takes place on Friday, 12th April 2024 when people can support CFI by taking part in a 65 Roses challenge, buying a purple rose in Dunnes Stores or other participating outlets of donating online at 65roses.ie. For more information, please visit www.cfireland.ie or www.65roses.ie.
For details on how to watch the nominations for the 2024 Grammy Awards, which start at 8am PT / 5pm GMT visit: https://www.grammy.com/news/where-how-watch-2024-grammys-nominations-livestream-live.
