Cystic Fibrosis affects nearly 30,000 people in the U.S. alone, and no one knows this better than Emily Schaller, the Rock CF foundation promoter, drummer in Hellen, and adored fixture in the Detroit scene. She created the organization to spread awareness of the disease among her peers, and judging by this weekend's event, it looked like all of her hard work has paid off. Just Let Me Breathe, now in its fourth year, continues to grow, and local bands like South Normal, Hellen, Grande Nationals, Alex Winston, and Stolen Liberty were a testament to this fact when they played to a packed crowd at the Royal Oak Music Theater. Schaller's efforts were recognized by Heroes of Hope Living with CF, who kicked off the evening by presenting her with their annual national award. STORY AND PHOTOS BY LIZ FORNAL

Learn more about Emily in a recent Detroit Free Press article.

Talk: What charities are on your radar?

On the Web:
letsrockcf.org

Emily Schaller with her father after receiving the Heroes of Hope Living with CF national award

Steve Rolph and Dan Murphree of Stolen Liberty

Alex Winston

Grande National's Tony Vegas

Hellen's Becca Tyler