Nicole Chappell

In what is now one of our most special days of the year, we're excited to again create a team of friends and family to walk with Great Strides for the third time this May 11!

We were introduced to CF when Brett was only a few weeks old. With no family history, it was quite a shock. But our girl has already proven herself to be strong, brave, and a fighter in the face of a lifelong disease.

The past year has brought big change for Brett, as she joined just a small group of people her age in beginning to take Trikafta, a modulator medicine that fights against CF and helps her body to function similarly to ours. Given that this was just recently approved for her age range, our girl is on the forefront of science and medicine. She's helping to change the world for all CFers now and in the future, and we couldn't be more proud.

You'll often catch our family singing silly songs and reading books while crowded together around Brett's vest therapy machine to help her maintain healthy lungs, with our girl giggling along the way. We've also become expert ice cream taste testers, trying out new flavors to help mask her medicine. Her big sisters can make her belly laugh even after the toughest and longest days at Children's Hospital. We're amazed by her perseverance at such a young age and strive to match it. There is just no doubt that our B's fiery nature will serve her well as she overcomes obstacles and tackles challenges throughout her journey with CF.

While we never would've wished this for our daughter, we're so grateful for the perspective and positivity it has brought to our family, which is why we are excited to have a celebratory day at the Great Strides walk with our family and friends! It has meant so much to have our people rally around us as we navigate our new normal, and Brett has an incredible crew of supporters.

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation is leading the way in the fight against CF, making extraordinary medical and scientific progress towards new and existing therapies as well as research towards finding a cure. We've personally worked with the CFF on multiple occasions and have been amazed at their commitment towards this unique group of people. Donations like yours will directly help Brett, as well as others with CF, live longer, more normal, and more fulfilling lives, and potentially bring revolutionary change. Together, let’s make CF stand for Cure Found!

If you are local and want to join our team to walk with us, we'd love to see you!