Leah Pohlman

My niece Katie McCarthy Santos has Cystic Fibrosis.
Cystic Fibrosis is something she was born with, and at the age of 25, she is still battling the disease. CF affects her lungs and digestive system along with many other organs, which causes her to get lung infections and pneumonia quite frequently. Currently there is no cure for CF.

What is life like living with CF? Well for starters, she has to take 20 different medications on a daily basis, along with chest therapy and nebulizer treatments for two hours each day, just to help clear her lungs. She exercise regularly to keep her lungs healthy as well. In fact, the predicted median age of survival for a person with CF is in their mid 40's.

She will be turning 26 this year, and I want her to beat this disease now, more than ever. Every day, kids continue to lose their lives because of CF, but I remain determined to keep fighting until a cure is found. We continue to hope.

On Saturday, May 8, Team Katie Bug and the Harman Volunteers will reunite once again at the Santa Clarita Sports Complex to participate in the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's Virtual / Car Parade. Over the last 21 years, Team Katie Bug has raised over $233,800 to help find a cure.Your support is overwhelming, and has meant the world to my family as well as all of those who are affected by this disease.

If you are unable to join us at the event, please help me and all those living with CF by making a donation.

Making a donation is easy and secure! Just click the "Click to Donate" button on this page to go to make a donation that will be credited to my team. Any amount you can donate is greatly appreciated!

Together, we are adding tomorrows to the lives of people living with CF by supporting the search for a cure.