Holly Loosen

There are approximately 40,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, friends and co-workers who struggle every day just to breathe. I walk for them and hope you will support my efforts.

I work closely with the CF community as a physical therapist at the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Cystic Fibrosis Center.  Thanks to donations from people like you, the CF story  continued to celebrate incredible successes this past year. Trikafta, an effective medication for many people living with CF, has been an absolute game changer! Just 2 weeks ago, this drug was FDA approved for children ages 2-6 yo. This drug attacks the disease at the cellular level and can dramatically change symptoms for people living with the most common genetic mutation for CF.  The latest FDA approval gives young children a chance to prevent severe symptom onset and irreversible damage from disease. People living with CF, who are eligible for this medication, are breathing easier for the first time. Coughing has decreased. Lung functions are improving, and all of this means the quantity and quality of life for people with CF is on the rise! 

This drug still comes too late for many and because CF is caused by many different genetic mutations, it doesn't work for everyone. It is also not a cure but an expensive medication that must be taken twice daily, in addition to other therapies, to keep the disease at bay. I walk today to continue the quest for an effective treatment for everyone living with CF, and ultimately, a cure! We are so close, but I walk to remember the CF warriors who have passed too soon and to honor the warriors who live with this disease.

Your support still matters. Your donation supports the research that has already changed lives in the CF community, and it is 100% tax deductible. Give if you can. Keep the CF community in your hearts even if you can't. Thank you to everyone who has supported me and this cause in the past and present! I appreciate all your love for the CF community!