AMBC Trekkers

Why Team Geriece?

Geriece was born with Cystic Fibrosis and given a life expectancy of five years! Can you imagine birthing a beautiful baby girl and being told that she would only live to be 5 years old, maybe? This was heartbreaking for Geriece’s parents, George and Darlene, but they did not fold, give up or walk away from the challenge and responsibility of raising a child with Cystic Fibrosis. Instead, they embraced and loved on Geriece – encouraging her not to make CF her identity. They allowed her to participate in sports, dance, choir, and tons of school activities, preparing her for the full life she lives today.

37 YEARS LATER

Thirty-seven years later Geriece is still here. In October 2023 Geriece had a DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANT!! She is adjusting to the new energy and appetite. She continues to thrive. She has a fulfilling career, she attended and graduated from college, and she married the love of her life, Emmanuel. All the things that she hoped for as a child. She has a message to anyone dealing with a situation that seems impossible or overwhelming. The message she wants to convey to you is to hold onto HOPE. What it looks like today is not what it will look like tomorrow. HOPE - it may be a fight, but there is always hope.

The research of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been a game-changer. Therapies exist today that weren’t even in the conversation when Geriece was born. The recent breakthrough of gene modulators now helps to correct the CFTR gene mutation! 90% of folks diagnosed with CF will benefit from gene modulators, unfortunately there’s still 10% that will not.

Geriece recently heard the story of a doctor telling a mom, “That with Gene Modulators, your son will likely bury you, instead of you burying him.” It is amazing what new therapies have been developed because of ongoing research. Because Cystic Fibrosis therapies are so specialized and for a comparatively small population, it can be difficult for pharmaceutical companies to prioritize the research. The existence and the work of the CF Foundation is so important to provide life-giving therapies. So, continue to provide HOPE and honor Geriece with your donation. She is a walking miracle at 36 years old.