T Richard Davis

Our grandchildren, Clare and Elliot, are both now 16½ years old. No longer little children, they are remarkably engaging and beautiful teenagers. They have each matured into vibrant, healthy, and successful young people - full of life and all the wonderful things that it has in store for them. Their life-long regimen of medications and therapies have resulted in visible prayed-for successes as both are growing stronger at a healthy rate necessary to support their very active lifestyles. These kids are our heroes!

Their respective parents (Chrysi and Rick Davis in Atlanta and Alta and Mike Hales in Salt Lake) continue to be supreme models of love, diligence and patience in providing all of the physical, emotional and spiritual support that these precious children require every day.  Their efforts are inspirational to many, specifically in the Salt Lake and Atlanta communities, and generally throughout the CFF communities nation-wide.

THE BEST NEWS: Miraculous progress has been made and is continuing in the search for a cure.  In the 16+ year life spans of Elliot and Clare, the general life expectancy for CF patients has risen more that 25 years - to more than 58 years.  The median age of someone afflicted with CF is now over 20, so this is no longer just a children's disease. There still is yet no cure for this devastating disease, but in the fall of 2019, a life-changing medication, "Trikafta", was authorized and began to be prescribed for 90% of CF patients, including my grandchildren.  It has been nothing short of miraculous.  While they still have the disease and require medication and reduced percussion therapies continue, neither have had a hospitalization for CF in more than 4 years.  Both had been regularly hospitalized before that time between 2 and 5 weeks each year. Their oxygen capacity has significantly improved and both have grown and added needed body mass to their previously frail bodies.  They are both in the best health of their lives. And we are not done yet.  I remain confident that both of them will live log and full lives, able to enjoy the blessings of parenthood and freedom from the past ravages of this disease.

By walking this year and/or contributing to the cause, we are helping add tomorrows to the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis. Will you join me in this cause? Please consider supporting us by making a donation to our Great Strides fundraising campaign today!. Your gift will help add tomorrows to the lives of people with cystic fibrosis by supporting life-saving research and medical progress. Your gift is 100-percent tax deductible. Thank you.

Rick and Alta Davis