Andrea Stasyszen

As foster parents, you never know what child will need you next. It was late Monday when my phone rang awakening me from sleep. The poor lady on the other end of the line kept repeating herself until my sleepy brain caught up- a baby needed a place to sleep tonight. I was told that she had CF and that involved some extra doctor appointments but that is all she knew at the moment. We said yes. A tiny 7 week old baby arrived within a few hours. The next days were a blur as I reached out to our CF unit I found on google to see what I needed to know to keep our baby healthy. Turns out there was a LOT I needed to learn fast!  Unfortunately not all kiddos get to go back home or with family, and this was our case. She had stolen the hearts of every family member and in the fall 2019, the judge granted our adoption. We are still learning about CF daily. It's a privilege to watch our little princess warrior be so strong and yet so little to take on this fight. But in this family- no one fights alone! 

There are approximately 30,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, and friends who struggle every day just to breathe. I walk for them. Will you join me and support my fundraising goal?

Real progress has been made for those who have CF, but there is still no cure for this devastating disease and many lives are cut far too short. We’ve come so far, but there’s still so much work to do. I will not stop striding until all those with cystic fibrosis have a cure. Will you join me? Please consider donating to my Great Strides fundraising campaign today!

Please support me!

We are at a pivotal moment in the history of cystic fibrosis and your support matters. Your gift will help add tomorrows to the lives of people with cystic fibrosis by supporting groundbreaking research and medical progress towards a cure. Please help me reach my fundraising goal!