Colleen Anderson

My Great Strides Story

  Growing up I was a pretty active kid, but I would always get sick. I would have rare and unusual sicknesses for a kid my age. I also had some normal issues, but they would happen more often than normal. We would do tests, but could never find the answers. Now fast forward to adulthood,  and other issues started to arise. More rare infections, constant pneumonia,  and overall health just not were it needed to be. I finally found a doctor that would listen to what was going on, and they decided to test me for cystic fibrosis after finding a rare infection in my lungs. The test came back that I had it, and at age 32 we finally got some answers.  It's not the answer we were hoping for, but now I know why! I can now also start on my new journey to a healthier me with a great team of doctors behind me. There is no cure at the moment, but with medication and amazing doctors we can help manage it! 

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.

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.