Matthew Peredna

Bear with me as my dad tries to translate my story for me. My name is Lucas Peredna, and I am the reason behind team Lace ‘em up for Luke! I just turned four a few months ago, and I’ll be participating in Great Strides for the 5th time! My mom and dad had an idea that I might have Cystic Fibrosis while I was in my mom’s belly, but it wasn’t certain until I made my appearance in the world. It was a bit of a shock, especially since I have two healthy older sisters. Mom and Dad didn’t really know much too much about CF, or what was to come, but I feel like they were up for the challenge. My first day here, I had to have surgery on my belly. It was scary, but I did great and was out of the NICU earlier than expected! Now, every day is different for me, and some have ups and downs (sometimes I don’t like eating my applesauce or yogurt, doing my PT, or using my nebulizer)….but none of it has stopped me from running, climbing, riding my bike, playing golf, torturing my sisters, and throwing things that I probably shouldn’t. Anyway, my parents were doing some research about CF, and then heard about Great Strides. We all participated in the Manchester event in 2019, virtually for the next two years, and in person again last year in Nashua! It was super easy to sign up for and the group of people are fantastic! At my first walk I was amazed to see how many people care about me, and care about others like me! If you can, please donate to my team – Lace ‘em up for Luke! You’ll help people just like me as we work towards making CF stand for Cure Found!

There are approximately 30,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, and friends who struggle every day just to breathe. I walk for them. Will you join me and support my fundraising goal?

Real progress has been made for those who have CF, but there is still no cure for this devastating disease and many lives are cut far too short. We’ve come so far, but there’s still so much work to do. I will not stop striding until all those with cystic fibrosis have a cure. We will not leave anyone behind.

Please support me!

We are at a pivotal moment in the history of cystic fibrosis and your support matters. With your help, we can invest our resources in research today, while raising funds for tomorrow, to ensure we have what it takes to reach the finish line. Together, we can make CF stand for Cure Found. Please help me reach my fundraising goal!