Susan Frantz

My Great Strides Story

Nearly  two decades ago I learned about Cystic Fibrosis more personally than I ever hoped I would. My beautiful grandson, Cole, was transferred to a children's hospital shortly after birth and had life-saving surgery. Why? CF was the cause. This was just the beginning of many tenuous years of medicine, treatments, doctor visits and hospitalizations that have enabled him to survive and thrive. A big part of his story is the great progress made through towards finding "holding" drugs, in search for a cure.

 A cure for some CF genetic mutations has been found, and research continues for those yet unknown. We are getting so close to a Cure Found! Yes, that's my desire. That CF stands not for a terminal disease, but for a cure found. I can't tell you what joy I will have if a cure is found before I leave this world! This is my prayer, and the reason I continue to walk annually in a Great Strides walk.

This is not just for Cole, but for the nearly 40,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis: a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, and friends who face the sobering prospect of a shortened lifespan. I walk for them, too.

Working alongside the CF community, the CF Foundation has fostered the development of more than a dozen CF treatments and helped add decades of life for people with CF. Yet, many people with CF do not benefit from existing therapies. Our vision is a cure for every person with cystic fibrosis – a life free from the burden of this disease – and we will not leave anyone behind. 

You can support me!

By supporting my fundraising goal, you have an opportunity in your lifetime to be part of ending this disease. Please consider joining us and help make medical history.