Connie Krombein

Usually, about this time of year, you hear from us about the Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis fundraising walk we do for our granddaughter, Ella.  This year, we're sharing a message directly from her!  Please read her words and consider how you might be able to help.

~ Connie and Len

Hi everyone!! 

It’s officially Great Strides season again, but this year things are going to be looking a little bit different! 

To start, I’m so excited to say that I (Ella herself!) am captaining our team this year and being the frontman on the fundraising portion as well! That’s why this message is actually from me, not me and my mom. 

In the vein of my taking over Great Strides team operations, I’ve also decided to rebrand. So, all of you lovely friends and family are no longer a part of Ella’s Elite, you’re now officially a part of Silva’s Swashbucklers!! Welcome to the crew fellow pirates. :) 

Aside from using my newfound college independence to take over our team and make everyone into pirates sailing the salty seas, I have also been experiencing the world, and therefore my CF, through the lens of a college student this year.

I’ve been lucky enough to remain very healthy through the process of moving out and facing new horizons, but stepping foot into the adult world has served as a reminder, in many ways, that I am unable to live a “normal life.”

While thankfully avoiding hospital visits and serious illnesses, the constant treatment regimen and pill-taking don’t mesh perfectly with college life. Things are much better for me than they would have been a mere five years ago, thanks to wonderful new medications (which exist, in part, to your past efforts!) but my recent lifestyle shifts have left me unable to quell the wish for things to be better, still.

So, on behalf of me, and others with CF who perhaps haven’t been as lucky, anything you feel you can give is so so appreciated, even just $5 will help us on our voyage towards the ultimate buried treasure, the cure!

Thank you all so much, and if you feel like donating is in the cards for you, there’s a button at the bottom of the page where you can make a secure online donation. 

Additionally, if you live in the Portland area and want to join us for the actual walk, it’s taking place on May 20th at Oaks Park this year, and there’s another button down below to join our team!

Now, grab your eyepatches, swords, and your trusty parrot, and join us as we take to the sea and set sail.

Until there’s a cure,

Ella & Lindsay