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 my friends and 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.
Like Geriece, nearly 40,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis: a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, and friends who face the sobering prospect of a shortened lifespan. I walk for them.
37 YEARS LATER
Thirty-seven years later Geriece is still here. In 2023 Gereice underwent a DOUBLE LUNG TRANSPLANT!! She continues to thrive adjusting to the new energy, eating and exercising. 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%, including Geriece, that do not benefit from existing therapies.
YOU CAN HELP!
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.
Help us find a cure for Geriece and everyone with CF. Please give today.
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IMPORTANT NOTE ON ATTENDANCE AT FOUNDATION EVENTS:
Updated July 5th, 2023
The CF Foundation is committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of individuals attending Foundation events. Individuals attending CF Foundation events must abide by the Foundation's Event Attendance Policy www.cff.org/attendancepolicy, which includes guidance for event attendees living with cystic fibrosis.