Our Great Strides Story
Peyton and Colton are your average teenage boys that enjoy video games, hanging out with friends, and eating everything they can get their hands on. Their childhood, however, was not so average.
Peyton and Colton were diagnosed at birth with cystic fibrosis. Though it is a genetic disease, there has been no knowledge of CF running on either side of the family. Both parents and their little sister, Kaylee, are carriers of the CF gene. From 2013 to 2020, these boys have spent countless days in and out of the hospital, hours doing their breathing treatments, and taking handfuls of medication, all to live a “normal” life. They relied on feeding tubes to maintain their weight and ports to receive IV antibiotics on the regular. They didn’t know any different way of living as this is all they knew. In 2020 Colton was approved to start the latest medication , Trikafta. Peyton soon followed behind him. Trikafta has been a game changer in their life, as this has been the closest thing to a cure! Trikafta corrects the defective gene that causes CF. Since 2020 the boys have gained weight, their lung functions have improved tremendously, and were able to have their feeding tubes and ports removed! For the first time, they began to live a more “normal” life. Peyton (almost 15) and Colton (almost 14), are now thriving middle schoolers. Peyton is currently preparing to get his permit, loves playing the saxophone, and hopes to attend the University of Tennessee for engineering. Colton enjoys playing the trumpet, is currently rehearsing for his second musical, and loves to cook. Colton’s unsure of his career and school choice, just knows it will be something art related.
Despite all that these boys have been through, they have never stopped smiling and keeping a positive attitude. They tend to leave quite the impression on others and never take a single breath for granted. Great Strides is a huge reason why they are doing so amazing, along with many other CFers. The money raised by great strides goes to the research in finding a cure. Trikafta along with other medications are proof of it.
We walk for a cure for all people with cystic fibrosis. By joining our team, you can help us end this disease!
To become a team member, click the “join this team” button. Once you register, it’s easy to donate and start fundraising.
Our team is determined to ensure that every person with CF can live a long, healthy life, without the limitations caused by their disease. We can’t wait for you to join us.
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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.