Kelly Savage

It’s been about 4 years since I have personally written our yearly letter for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Fundraiser. To update you, I am now 28 years old and my husband, Brandon, and I have been married for just over a year now. Marriage with your best friend is nothing short of pure bliss! 

As you receive this letter, our lives are looking a little different than they did a year ago. Last year, Brandon and I were deep in the wedding planning process and just a couple of weeks away from what was truly the most special day for us. Celebrating our wedding was one of the most memorable and significant experiences for us both. It was purely magical! 

Almost a year later, Brandon and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary, and it has been so special for both of us to truly join each others’ families. Additionally, in June, I will complete my sixth year of teaching. Let me tell you, 5th graders are an exceptional yet sassy age group to spend your days with! Brandon will be completing his 4th year of medical school with graduation happening in May. We can’t wait to celebrate this momentous occasion! With residency and a move on the horizon, we have so much to look forward to and be thankful for. 

With each life event that I accomplish, it is humbling to know each one is happening due to the advancements in research to find a cure for Cystic Fibrosis. As of right now, there is no cure. However, numerous advances in medications have been made which allow people with CF to live fuller, happier, and healthier lives. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that primarily affects the respiratory and digestive systems. I have now been on Trikafta, the CF modulator drug, for just over 4 years now which has been crucial for CF patients. It has helped me maintain a high lung function, keep infections at bay, as well as aid in digestion. Additionally, I have started on an insulin pump due to CF-related Diabetes. While I have been on insulin since 2013, the pump has eradicated the need for multiple daily injections, allowing me to live a life free of pokes and pricks! 

The progress made in CF research and treatment over the years has been nothing short of remarkable, but there is still so much work to be done. We are on the cusp of transformative breakthroughs that could change the lives of millions of people living with CF, but we need your help to make these advancements a reality.

Your donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation can make a profound difference in the lives of those battling CF. It can fund critical research initiatives aimed at finding new treatments and ultimately, a cure. It can provide vital resources and support to individuals and families facing the daily challenges of CF. Most importantly, it can offer hope – hope for a brighter future, free from the constraints of this devastating disease.