Jeanne Rosenbaum

Welcome back for the 6th year of Luca's Gladiators, my amazing nephew's team. Our amazing NATIONAL team stretches across Florida, New York and Rhode Island!

These last 6 years, we really have learned what an amazing support team we have!

In late 2019, the CF community had the biggest breakthrough yet with the approval of the three-drug combo drug called Trikafta that has proven to be life-changing for those living with Luca’s mutation of the CF gene. Even people with end-stage lung failure are benefiting from this drug. It truly is a miracle. As of April 2023, we finally got the call that Trikafta was approved for Luca’s age group. We were ecstatic!

On June 1st, 2023 it was finally Luca’s chance to start Trikafta. We are thrilled to say he is doing amazing with it. We have noticed less coughing, less sickness all together, have avoided the hospital (knock on wood) and a change in his appetite. We couldn’t be happier with his progress.

Luca is now 5 1/2 years old and thriving in Kindergarten. He has made so many friends and truly loves to learn. He loves math, art and music! He recently won star student for his music class and could not be prouder of himself. He loves all genres of music. Of course he is still obsessed with dinosaurs and amazes us every day with his dinosaur facts. He says he wants to be a Paleontologist when he grows up!

He loves his family more than anything, especially his big sister "sissy" and can not wait to be a BIG BROTHER in July!!!

He is such a delight to everyone he meets. He loves to talk and hold conversations with any stranger he comes around. His favorite activities nowadays include playing with dinosaurs (obviously), going to the Disney and watching Marvel movies with Dad! He does not let his diagnosis slow him down in the least and still is such a champ when it comes to vest treatments, airway clearance and taking his multiple medications. We love watching him grow up!

We are are so excited to hear our West Coast chapter has combined the St. Pete/Tampa walk again this year at ZooTampa! We will be walking on May 18th with our favorite team of Gladiators. We would love if you could join us!

With your continued support our little team has raised over $50,000 to date!!!

Please consider joining our team as a walker, virtual walker (that’s right you don’t need to be near to be on our team), or donating to one of our many wonderful Gladiators so we can continue to stride towards a cure for cystic fibrosis. Soon we know CF will stand for Cure Found!
 
Thank you and love to you all!

The DePalos and Luca’s Gladiators

My Great Strides Story
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.

Help support my nephew Luca and his cystic fibrosis friends!! The CF community has made such amazing strides thanks to all your support and your continued support will help this little guy live a full, happy, fulfilled life! 

My Great Strides Story

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.