CF Cruisers

On May 18, 2024 we will celebrate 23 years of gathering for the Great Strides-Eau Claire event. Walk day is a great day for those living with CF. It's the day they see their families, friends, and co-workers come together for one reason - to find a cure for CF. Because we have a dream!  This walk is close to our hearts, the 4K event that gives people like our daughters, Rachel and Geralyn, hope and encouragement.

We are looking forward to that exciting day when CF stands for Cure Found for every family member that currently lives with Cystic Fibrosis!

When our daughters were diagnosed with cystic fibrosis in the 1980's we were quickly referred to the UW-Madison CF Center. There they received excellent pediatric care for CF until they reached adulthood. In their childhood the gene was discovered that causes CF. That allowed scientists to direct their research toward medications and therapies that target the defect in CF. Today Geralyn and Rachel are 38 and 35 years old and receive high-quality, specialized care at U of MN. We know that the life-changing care and medications available to them wouldn't be possible without the funds raised in events like Great Strides. Even though they have the same genetic mutation they do not have the same response or tolerance to the new CF treatments. Other people with different genetic mutations cannot benefit at all. So the work is not done.

Rachel and Geralyn have a good quality of life but we still need a cure. They work hard to maintain their health but the burden of CF is real. The goal is to have a life free from a daily multitude of medications and time-intensive treatments and advanced disease. We need your help to make this dream come true.

Join us on May 18th. Register online today. If you can't join us, please support our team, CF Cruisers, in the search for a cure with an online donation.

Thank you,

Maria and Gerry Brantner

Members of Eau Claire Great Strides

By becoming a member of our team and making a donation, you are joining a growing group of people committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. Together, we are adding tomorrows to the lives of people living with CF by supporting the search for a cure.

Great Strides is a fun, family-friendly event that raises awareness and support for people with CF and their families like us.