Vanessa Hammond

WHY DO I STRIDE? I STRIDE FOR MY SON, WILL!

He is 26 years old, a graduate of Lee University, and enjoying adult life in Austin, TX! He's healthy and living the way we dreamed he would! He is also sharing the hope for a full and healthy future with our friends who have young children with CF.

After Will was diagnosed with CF at 9 months old, we joined with the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through Great Strides to do what we could to help find a cure for this terrible disease. The efforts of thousands of dedicated and generous people and an amazing organization have made a huge difference for Will and others with CF.

Will began taking Kalydeco, a breakthrough CF drug, when it became available in 2012. It made his CF a manageable condition, rather than a progressive, life-threatening disease. We accept it with humility as a miracle in his life, grateful to the Lord, scientists and our family and friends who have supported us and this cause. Now we believe and work to see that miracle in every person's life who has CF. Four years ago, Will began taking an even better drug, Trikafta. The best news is that it has the same amazing effects for 90% of people with CF - wow!! We are almost there, almost to 100% with an effective treatment and the BIG goal of a CURE for cystic fibrosis! And the next, better version of Trikafta is almost done - going from twice a day medication to one pill a day. Every bit helps.

We will walk and run this spring to celebrate Will, to honor all those people with CF and their families who have gone before and helped to make this miracle possible for us, and to finish the job for everyone living with CF now who still needs a cure.

Please join us! Great Strides is a fun, family-friendly event that raises awareness and support for people with CF and their families. We would love for you to join our walk team as a virtual walker; come out and run in the 65 Roses 5K (www.leeuniversity.edu/cf) on March 23, or donate to my campaign or on one of the Hammond kids' fundraising pages.

Your gift will help add tomorrows to the lives of people with cystic fibrosis by supporting life-saving research and patient support. Your gift is 100-percent tax deductible. THANK YOU!!