Mindy Sanchez

Here we are about to participate in another Great Strides event. This year I will be writing the bio myself … as a college student; beating the odds that were stacked against me. Most of you know I have cystic fibrosis and am currently a freshman in college. Before I was a year old they told my family not to expect me to make it to one, then two, and here I am eighteen years later (a semi-adult now) proving every doctor wrong. By the grace of God, it has not affected my lungs to any great extent, so far. However, it does affect me in many other ways. I take five breathing treatments a day to prevent lung infections. I have to take Creon every time I eat something fatty so it does not cause severe stomach pain. My hair was very thin and barely grew at all, the list goes on and so do my medications. One medicine I began taking a while ago has changed my life considerably. My hair started to thicken and grow longer, and for a self-conscious teen girl, this was huge. I have now begun maintaining and gaining weight. As of today, I do not need supplemental milk at all, Praise God! This new medicine is supposed to repair my damaged DNA (the cf gene) continually and maintain my current health. After taking this medication, my family has noticed a big change in my health. I have to say it is doing better than expected and the doctors are amazed at my progress. I also found out a couple of days ago that my lung capacity is 113% (most people who have CF or asthma usually only have 80%!). Without special funding, these medications would not be available to me and are currently extremely expensive. Just one of my medications is in the thousands and this new one is even higher. (Thank God I have insurance!). Ok, here goes. I tell you all this because we are going to participate in the Great Strides walk in Corpus Christi. We hope to help to continue raising money for further trials on medications, so that one day, the CF gene (my Dr is very optimistic this can and may happen in my lifetime), can fully be repaired. If you find it in your heart I ask that you please pray for me and my continued good health. Then, if you would like to make a donation on my behalf or join us in this walk I would be grateful. I would love to know that you support me in my everyday life. We thank you all for your participation, however that may be.

There are approximately 30,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, and friends who struggle every day just to breathe. I walk for them. Will you join me and support my fundraising goal?

Real progress has been made for those who have CF, but there is still no cure for this devastating disease and many lives are cut far too short. We’ve come so far, but there’s still so much work to do. I will not stop striding until all those with cystic fibrosis have a cure. We will not leave anyone behind.  

Please support me!

We are at a pivotal moment in the history of cystic fibrosis and your support matters. With your help, we can invest our resources in research today, while raising funds for tomorrow, to ensure we have what it takes to reach the finish line. Together, we can make CF stand for Cure Found. Please help me reach my fundraising goal!