Rachel Wood

My Great Strides Story

Cystic fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. 

Karli's CF journey began at 3 weeks old after her newborn screen came back positive with cystic fibrosis. As new and first time parents our world was turned upside down and looked scary. We had no idea as to what the future would hold. When Karli was 9 weeks old we headed down to Sutter Hospital for her first of many sweat tests (sodium chloride levels) and blood panel. We then proceeded to the Sutter Children's Center where we met her CF Team and Dr. Kasey. Here we found out that Karli actually has a mild form of Cystic Fibrosis, but still entails daily treatments and other health concerns. Our amazing team of people have been so amazing and supportive throughout Karli's entire life. We truly have been blessed. Dr. Kasey gave us so much hope for her future and the excitement for the current new medication going through trials. Fast Forward 6 years, Karli was able to start Trikafta, aka what we call the "Miracle Drug". It has helped improve her lung function, lower her sweat chloride, and many other wonderful things. But most of all, giving her a way better shot to live a LONG and healthy life!

THIS IS WHY WE WALK!! THIS IS WHY WE FUNDRAISE!!!

There are close to 40,000 children and adults living with cystic fibrosis in the United States (and an estimated 105,000 people have been diagnosed with CF across 94 countries), and CF can affect people of every racial and ethnic group.

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.