Ella K's Team

Dear Ella K Team,

The Thomas family is excited to kick-off our 2023 Great Strides campaign.  This year’s walk to end cystic fibrosis (CF) will be held on May 13 at Byrd Park here in RVA.  Driven by a dream and inspired by a collective team of dedicated supporters, we remain vigilant in our goal of not just treating but ENDING CF!  We are so proud to lead the Ella K team in adding more tomorrows for all people fighting this disease.

1 in 31 Americans are symptomless carriers of CF. It affects people of every racial and ethnic group and over 1000 new people are diagnosed each year.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) is an efficient, effective, and accountable world leader in philanthropy.  They support a broad range of cutting-edge research which has added decades of life for people with CF.

The CFF commitment to innovation is driving exciting progress in genetic based therapies, including the very challenging issue of how to deliver gene therapies into the lungs. Genetic-based therapies are the key to the cure and will most certainly provide value to other disease research.

Ella continues to thrive on the latest CF modulator therapy, Trikafta.  This year she transitioned to an adult CF Care center, a new milestone in her journey. Adult care centers were rare when she was born, as there were not many adults living with the disease.  These centers offer state of the art specialized care and are supported and accredited by the CFF. Ella is currently living and working in Charlottesville with the University of Virginia’s Art Collection and bartending while she ponders her next life chapter.

Whether you have a connection with Ella, our family or someone else affected by this disease, whether you are new or old to this cause, or whether you can support us this year, please know that you ARE an important part of a community that is transforming lives every day.  Your prayers, support and love are deeply appreciated.

If you would like to make a donation, you may simply hit donate here.  You may also send us your tax deductible check payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (see mailing address below). If would also like to join our team and help spread the word you may also do that from here. Please know that your support in any amount is greatly appreciated. If you want to join us on walk day, just let us know so we can get you more details.

With Love, The Thomas Family (Rick, Susie, Amelia and Brody

Ella K Team

2422 Robert E. Lee Road

Powhatan, VA 23139

(804) 378-3748