Team McGowan

Join our team and help add tomorrows!

Cystic Fibrosis Awareness and Research is a cause close to Team McGowan. Jimmy was diagnosed with CF when he was born in August of 1986. At that time, his life expectancy was 16 years old. With research efforts and modern medicine, Jimmy has doubled that, he turned 36 this year. Jimmy is one of 3 brothers who were all born with the disease. Sadly, his older brother John passed away from it when he was 16 years old.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation website says Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive, genetic disease that causes persistent lung infections and limits the ability to breathe over time. In people with CF, a defective gene causes a thick, buildup of mucus in the lungs, pancreas and other organs. In the lungs, the mucus clogs the airways and traps bacteria leading to infections, extensive lung damage and eventually, respiratory failure. In the pancreas, the mucus prevents the release of digestive enzymes that allow the body to break down food and absorb vital nutrients.

 There are approximately 30,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, friends and co-workers who struggle every day just to breathe. We walk for them. Will you join us? All we need you to do to become a member of our team is click on the "Join our Team" button. From there you can make a donation and start your fundraising.