Laura Howitz

As many of you know, my eldest daughter, Cate, has cystic fibrosis. Prior to becoming pregnant I had heard of cystic fibrosis but didn't really know what it was. As Steve and I slowly came to know and accept that our child would have cystic fibrosis (CF), we were devastated to find that our child would have a much harder than normal and shorter than normal life. Absolutely and completely devastated. We found out that in the 1950's children who were born with cystic fibrosis only lived an average of six months. Thanks to amazing advances in healthcare most of which are funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), the life expectancy for children and adults with cystic fibrosis has gone up every year. It is currently at 46 years old. While that is an amazing advance, 46 is still TOO YOUNG! And while that is an average, MANY children are loosing their battle with cystic fibrosis much earlier. Many children with cystic fibrosis are still not making it to adulthood.

The US Federal Government views cystic fibrosis as such as rare disease that they do not fund any research whatsoever! Because of that, it is also not financially effective for companies and scientists to study cystic fibrosis. The only way the research continues and people with CF live longer is through your donations. So please consider a donation to team Cate in whatever amount you are able and please consider joining our team to fundraise and walk with us for Cate. The CFF is an amazing organization that directly benefits all people with CF. If the CFF is not funded, the life expectancy of people with CF cannot continue to improve.

Cate is such a spunky, intelligent, loyal, outgoing, friendly and kind 10 year old. She is her little sister's favorite person. She wants to be a veterinarian when she grows up and practically makes a new friend every minute! Please join us in helping to fund the research that has the potential to help her to grow, survive and flourish into her teenage years and God willing her adulthood. I truly believe that she has the potential to change the world and I assure you that she has changed EVERYTHING in our immediate and extended families.