Samuel Joseph

My Great Strides Story

Our second son was born in 1990.  What an exciting time that was for our young family.  All seemed good, except, Aaron was not gaining weight.  By 3 months, he was in the hospital with unexplained anemia. Test after test, but no answer - then, an off-hand comment about 'my little salt lick' led to the doctor ordering a simple test that confirmed, Aaron had cystic fibrosis. 

What is that?  We learned quickly, and found ourselves caring for our child in ways we never anticipated. (Hospitalizations, clinics, support group, insurance navigation, and so much more - all on top of all of the love and care we could give our children for a nurturing childhood and growing up experience.)  We are blessed with this  amazing young man who is personally fighting CF every day, and is making this world better for all of us. 

I encourage you to read his story to better understand if from his personal perspective.  There you will hear from a man who navigated and excelled in a world, in spite of the cards dealt.

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!

Our family has been supporting the CFF since Aaron was a toddler, and Aaron's Eagles has been at the Great Strides for years (two plus decades). We will stride until there is a cure.

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.