Laura Gordon

Hello Team Feets,

Spring is here and with it comes our 24th Great Strides walk! We would love for you to join us in Annapolis for this very special day.

Even after all these years it is difficult to write this letter. There are so many feelings that need to be expressed. This year, I want to tell you about our HOPES and Fears and we have an abundance of both.

The fear is always there. It has been with us since Austin was diagnosed, as an infant, 24 years ago. It’s an overcast sky that never completely clears. Certain things make the fear stronger: the challenging times when Austin’s cough is non-stop, when he struggles to gain weight and is shockingly thin, and especially when his lung function drops significantly. Austin is hospitalized about every 8 months and after two weeks of a PICC line and IV antibiotics the dark clouds temporarily clear away, his cough is at bay and his lung function rebounds to more acceptable levels. If only these sunnier days could stick around longer.

Thankfully, HOPE is stronger than Fear. HOPE is an action word and means we will fight for those clear skies and brighter tomorrows. It means we will celebrate every step toward a CURE while taking the necessary actions to ensure the path forward is strongly supported.

Austin lives HOPE through his positive attitude and commitment to his daily treatments. He has begun his dream career as an Industrial Engineer in automotive manufacturing. He has wonderful friends that support him and care about him. And he has all of you.

You are always with us and support us in our HOPE for a CURE. You help fund the science that is making a difference. In 24 years, you all have raised over 1.25M dollars!! When I hear about the exciting clinical trials currently underway, I know that together we helped fund them. We are HOPE in Action.

The first transformative therapy for Austin will most likely be mRNA based. Genetic therapies are 10X more costly to develop as traditional medications. The CF Foundation is leaving no stone unturned toward the path to a CURE. We are closer than we have ever been and the HOPE is real.

So, for the 24th year, I must ask you to support our DREAM of a CURE and help change the future for Austin and all those with Cystic Fibrosis. There is no CURE without U.

Please consider making a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation where it will be generously matched by our $5,000 sponsor Tito’s Handmade Vodka:

Thank you is never enough, we are beyond grateful.

Until CF Stands for Cure Found,
Laura, Steve, Austin and Kate