My Great Strides Story
I was diagnosed with CF when I was 2 1/2 months old.
Living with CF is all that I really know. With that being said, fundraising and raising money is something near and dear to my heart. My journey with CF has changed drastically over the last few years. Three years ago, in December 2019, I started the life-changing drug Trikafta. The research and production of this new medicine was all possible because of fundraising and making awareness for my disease. No longer do I have long-lasting coughing fits. No longer do I have to worry if I laugh too hard I might bring on a coughing fit. No longer do I have to spend hours doing extra therapy treatments or fearing going to the doctors for them to tell me my lung function decreased once again. Lifetime milestones that at one time considered a distant dream have become a reality to me that I am living and loving through every day. I have been able to graduate high school, obtain my bachelor and graduate degrees. I am currently a 2nd grade teacher at Williamsport Elementary. My husband Brady and I have two beautiful daughters, Nora and Caroline. I have been extremely blessed that both of my pregnancies have been extremely healthy, resulting in healthy children as well. My story has been extremely life-changing, however not all CF patients have been as lucky.
Nearly 40,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis: a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, and friends who face the sobering prospect of a shortened lifespan. I walk for them.
Working alongside the CF community, the CF Foundation has fostered the development of more than a dozen CF treatments and helped add decades of life for people with CF. Yet, many people with CF do not benefit from existing therapies. Our vision is a cure for every person with cystic fibrosis – a life free from the burden of this disease – and we will not leave anyone behind.
You can support me!
By supporting my fundraising goal, you have an opportunity in your lifetime to be part of ending this disease. Please consider joining us and help make medical history.
Thank you for all of your love and support!
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IMPORTANT NOTE ON ATTENDANCE AT FOUNDATION EVENTS:
Updated July 5th, 2023
The CF Foundation is committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of individuals attending Foundation events. Individuals attending CF Foundation events must abide by the Foundation's Event Attendance Policy www.cff.org/attendancepolicy, which includes guidance for event attendees living with cystic fibrosis.