Ben Douglass

Hi Family and Friends! 

 We are so grateful for those who have supported us in our fight to bring a better future to Arlo and everyone else living with Cystic Fibrosis. It brings us so much joy to know that we have an incredible support network of friends and family who support our little Arlo. 

This year Arlo has been able to begin Trikafta (the miracle CF drug), we are so grateful that Arlo will be able to grow up on a medication that improves the life of those living with cystic fibrosis. Despite Arlo beginning Trikafta, we have had our biggest health scare since Arlo was in the NICU. On two different occasions this year, Arlo has a partial lung collapse and lung infection. During these times, Arlo had to complete four treatments a day. That equates to 80 minutes of breathing treatments. That's a lot for anyone to go through, much less a three-year-old. Amazingly, Arlo was able to clear these infections and collapses with increased treatments and no extended hospital stays. Furthermore, even though Artlo was homebound this year. Arlo still managed to contract both COVID-19 and RSV. It certainly has been a rollercoaster this year with Arlo's health. We are beyond grateful for Trikafta and it has helped Arlo to gain weight and fight off infections more easily. However, the medication has some unfortunate psychological effects and we are not giving up our fight for him until a cure is found! 

On a positive note, Arlo has just returned from his Make-A-Wish trip, where he fell deeply in love with Minni Mouse, and Mickey at Disney World. Additionally, Arlo got more ski days this winter than Lizzy and has become an expert at the magic carpet and Bigfoot lift at Eldora ski area. Arlo will also begin part-time, outdoor preschool beginning June of 2024 and continue into 2025. We are very excited about this new chapter, and admittedly very nervous as well. 

Arlo is now 3.5 years old. He loves playing outside more than anything. Arlo enjoys skiing, riding his bike with his neighbor Katalina, playing monster trucks with his pal River, walking his dog, playing at the park, and constantly searching for adventure.

We continue to remain optimistic about Arlo's future and health. Arlo's future is much brighter than it would have been even five or ten years ago. However, there continues to be NO CURE for cystic fibrosis and the current life expectancy is about 50 years of age. Therefore, we humbly ask, that you can make a small donation to Team Arlo to improve the outcome and wellbeing of Arlo and others living with cystic fibrosis.

Cystic fibrosis only affects about 40,000 people in the United States. As a result of the low numbers of individuals living with cystic fibrosis, the majority of research, advancements in medication, and treatments come from the cystic fibrosis foundation instead of the state or federal government. This means that every dollar donated directly effect Arlo's future. Thank you for your time, and we truly appreciate you and all of your support. 

Arlo's Fight Against CF Includes:

• 25 pills per day that he takes to absorb fat and nutrients from his food. 
• 30 minutes of Airway clearance treatments a day
• 40 minutes of breathing treatments a day 
• 6 different medications taken daily 
• Appreciation for all the joy in between :) 

Ways You Can Help

Join a Team Arlo event: 

• Team Arlo will be walking for Great Strides at Sloans Lake on 5/11, come walk with us! 

To Donate: Click on the 'Donate to Team Arlo" button at the top of the page. Thank you so much for your support.  

Love,
Arlo, Ben, and Lizzy