Karena Richer

     We are only days from our walk and are still in desparate need of your help to reach our team goal.  We urge you to not only sign up to walk with us this Saturday, but also to please donate any amount you can NOW!! We are unable to take any checks or cash on walk day...and are only able to accept donations here (online).  

      Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!! This has been my everyday chant to each and every one of you since Karsyn started the "miracle drug" Trikafta in September 2020. These thanks go out to the Good Lord Above and to each and every friend and family member that has been on this journey with us. Honestly, not only since Karsyn started Trikafta, but FROM DAY 1!! You have all been our rock, our backbone. Without you, your dedication, your sweat, your tears and your love for Karsyn, she would NOT be were she is today!!

        Through all the turmoil and angst that the pandemic has brought, it has also brought new life. Karsyn's new life! CAN YOU HEAR ME SCREAMING THIS!! KARSYN'S NEW LIFE!!! There are no words to say how absolutely fantastic she is doing! Some days it's like I actually forget that she has Cystic Fibrosis. I mean don't get me wrong she still does her vest and nebulized treatments twice a day (or more if she has any sickness symptom). She still takes 25-30 pills/meds everyday. BUT, this medication has pretty much eliminated her cough...her congestion...her constant stomach pains and headaches. Her lung function has not been this high since she was 7 years old! She has been able to discontinue 5 medications since 2021! She is absolutely excelling in EVERYTHING she does. Of course, this girl has always been a rock star and can and WILL do anything she sets her mind to. She recently graduated 8th grade at Tri-City Christian School with a 4.0 GPA! That's my girl! This year she was able to attend school the ENTIRE YEAR with NO SICK DAYS due to hospitalization! This year she once again played on the junior high tennis team and acted in this year's drama performance "Newsies." She absolutely loves it!  She did sooooo good! She enjoys the stage with her whole heart...and it shows!

        You all need to understand that this drug is here and accessible today SOLELY because of the work EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU have done over the last 14+ years that we have been fundraising!! We are FOREVER GRATEFUL!! However, our fight is NOT YET OVER! This is by no means a cure AND we still have 10% of those suffering from CF that need our help! So once again, I ask that help us get one step closer to a cure for cystic fibrosis – a rare, genetic, life-shortening disease that makes it difficult to breathe. Karsyn and I would love for you to donate ANY AMOUNT! No amount is too small...every penny helps!

         With supporters like you by our side, the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation continues to lead the way in the fight against CF, fueling extraordinary medical and scientific progress. The life expectancy of someone born with CF has doubled in the last 30 years. Despite this progress, many people with CF do not benefit from existing therapies either because their disease is too advanced or because their specific genetic mutations will not respond. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, friends, and co-workers who struggle every day in the face of this devasting disease.

     To participate, just click on the "Join our Team" button. From there, you can make a donation and start fundraising.

     By joining our Great Strides team and making a donation, you will be part of a tenacious and passionate group of people committed to ending this disease. Together, let’s make CF stand for Cure Found!

All our Love,

Karsyn and Karena Richer