Richard Sprague

See that little girl with the leopard print shirt on? That’s my granddaughter Avery. She is a wild one alright. The other photo is us along with her younger sister, Sadie.

Avery’s life started in two startling ways. She was born almost 8 years ago in, of all places, Long Island, New York. Not long after that exciting meeting we learned that Avery had Cystic Fibrosis. Despite these two shocking events we soon learned that she was born in exactly the right place and as it turns out at exactly the right time.

Now, fast forward eight years through…

• having two surgeries (one at two days old!), 
• taking all types of daily medications, 
• enduring someone tapping on her back and front several times a day, and
• getting used to wearing a vibrating vest.

In addition to challenges Avery faces, let me say a few words about the efforts her incredibly devoted parents make every day.  Can you imagine being first time parents and being faced with the news of their newborn daughter’s disease?  Did they sit around feeling sorry for themselves.  Hell no; they waded straight into the fight for her long-term health. They spent countless hours learning about the disease and how to give Avery her best life. They created medication schedules, took turns doing her chest compressions, stayed awake countless hours worrying about that breathing while she had a cold, the flu and Covid. They devoted their time, talents and money to fighting the scourge of CF. They are true warriors!

Now look at that photo again; what do you see? I can assure you that Avery is a bright, spunky little second grader who loves basketball, swimming and t-ball, is an artist, is an excellent student and just plain fun to be around. In other words, she IS living her best 7 year old life! And it is all due to her fortitude, her parents diligence and the life saving research done by scientists and funded by the CF Foundation.

Cystic fibrosis is a rare, genetic disease that has robbed countless people of their tomorrows by progressively limiting their ability to breathe and tragically shortening life.There are approximately 30,000 Americans living with CF.

Researchers have made incredible progress and because of that Avery’s future is looking very bright. BUT, but there is still no cure for this devastating disease.

So, bad ankle and all, I will be participating in the Great Strides Walk in Hanover, NH on May 7th. Besides fulfilling my Grandfather role of spoiling her, this is what I can do for Avery. Will you consider making a donation to my fundraising goal? You can help accelerate the Foundation’s pursuit of new therapies and redefine CF to mean Cure Found.