Karson's Krew

Join our team and help add tomorrows!

There are approximately 30,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, friends and co-workers who struggle every day just to breathe. We walk for them. Will you join us? All we need you to do to become a member of our team is click on the "Join our Team" button. From there you can make a donation and start your fundraising.

Karson Vega was born on November 17, 2007 in McKinney, Texas. At the time of his birth Texas was not a new born screening state for cystic fibrosis and there was no known family history of CF on either side of the family. For the 1st 8 weeks of his life, never reaching over 8 lbs, he was a failure to thrive baby. After a multitude of tests, he was finally diagnosed with CF having two copies of the delta f508 mutation. Once he started enzymes he grew amazingly well and looked nothing like a baby with CF. He remained relatively healthy and out of the hospital until about 3 and years ago when he came down with allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) and the treatment lead to a mycobacterium infection in his lungs. He was simultaneously diagnosed with cystic fibrosis related liver disease. While we can not resolve his liver disease and only pray that it slows down or stops progressing, we are very fortunate and blessed that after over 3 years of multiple IV, inhaled, and additional oral antibiotics, he has cleared and irradicated the mycobacterium infection. He also received the gift of Trikafta's approval for his birthday and was able to start this game changing medication in December. While we have not seen much improvement in his GI or sinus issues, he has experienced great improvement in his lung health, energy and overall quality of life!!! Despite his medical challenges, he remains resilient, courageous, outgoing, and full of goals and dreams for the future. He plays baseball, the trombone, golf, and shoots archery. His teachers and coaches praise his ability to keep going. He never gives up, even when he lags behind and struggles to simply breathe, he doesn't quit, he may not come in first, but he always pushes through and finishes. He also enjoys swimming, jumping on the trampoline, spending time with friends and family, hunting, fishing, and archery. He excels at school. He is happiest making other people laugh and smile and trying to brighten others day with his infectious personality and jubilant smile. His doctors and teachers are amazed at how positive he remains and praise his talents and attitude. They see and encourage his potential to be a positive impact on others with CF and all who face adversity. Everyone who meets him can see he is bound for greatness and will never be held back or down by any challenge he faces. He truly wants to be an advocate and inspiration not only for the CF community but for all people facing adversity. Even though some days are tough and filled with disappointments and set-backs, he knows there is also tomorrow and with it a hope for a brighter, healthier, happier future. He is a continual fighter with bravery and strength no child should have to exude. He will continue to be bigger and bolder than this disease and encourage others to do the same. Leading the way with his positivity and humor so others can see how bright and full of hope and life the future truly is. He knows that with his attitude and the help and support of all those in the CF community that CF will have no option but to stand for Cure Found.

By becoming a member of our team and making a donation, you are joining a growing group of people committed to finding a cure for cystic fibrosis. Together, we are adding tomorrows to the lives of people living with CF by supporting the search for a cure.

Great Strides is a fun, family-friendly event that raises awareness and support for people with CF and their families.