Kathi Ross

We are excited to again be able to raise money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in hopes of finding a cure and even more excited to be back in person this year! In just the past 15 years we have seen firsthand, how the research is paying off and allowing those who live with Cystic Fibrosis to have healthier lives.   Our theme this year is "Lift Heavy Beat Cystic Fibrosis".  As many of you know Hudson has really got into taking care of his body by working out and lifting.  We are selling t-shirts to support this. All money raised from events like Great Strides allows the foundation to fund drug research.  They continue to have new medicines come down the pipeline. We owe a big “thank you” to everyone who supports us each year through t-shirt sales, on-line donations, and coming to the walk. We cannot thank you enough!!! Please don’t stop now... we need to continue our fight for a cure. For those of you who are reading our story for the first time. I want to tell you more about what Cystic Fibrosis (or CF) is and what it means to my family. Fourteen years ago our two-week old son, Hudson, was diagnosed with CF. At the time, it seemed like a nightmare. Here was our first-born child who appeared to be perfect. It was very heartbreaking to know that there was so much we couldn't see and understand then about what was happening on the inside of his little body. So, you may be wondering what exactly is Cystic Fibrosis? CF is a life-threatening, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and progressively limits the ability to breathe. In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick, buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage and eventually, respiratory failure. In the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients. So in the coming weeks after Hudson's diagnosis our lives were turned upside down. We had countless doctors’ visits to learn how we would care for Hudson in order to provide the healthiest life possible. For us to do this, Hudson has had countless surgeries, hospital stays, and has a daily routine which involves chest therapy (a minimum of 2 times daily), 4 breathing treatments, and he consumed a minimum of 46 pills daily. So, when I hear people say "he looks so healthy" I take that as a compliment for all the hard work that both he and everyone in my family puts into keeping him this way; however, I don't want you to be deceived. This disease is REAL. Just because someone "looks" healthy doesn't mean they are. I have hugged and cried along with another CF mom who was burying her daughter. This is the same family who also walked year after year to find a cure. So, I can't give up. This isn't just my son we are fighting for, there are 30,000 people who live with this disease. Please join us as we raise money for the CF Foundation by donating or through the purchase of a "Team Hudson" t-shirt. if you would like to fundraise along with us by joining Team Hudson, you will be able to share Hudson's story and raise awareness to those around you or if you would like to make a donation please click on the link below. Last and most importantly, I ask that you keep Hudson and our family in your prayers. As you know, dealing with an ongoing illness like this takes its toll on everyone involved. It isn't always easy but giving up is not an option. Thank you for your time and your consideration.

Josh, Elicia, Hudson, and Kaigan Miller