Ryan, Annie, K, B, And G Stack

Our Great Strides Story

Dear Friends and Family,

15 years ago our niece, Kadyn, was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis.

CF is a genetic, progressive and life shortening disease. Daily treatments, multitudes of pills, frequent hospital stays, numerous antibiotics, regular tests, cultures and procedures, as well as surgeries…are all a part of life for Kadyn and others with CF. Only a cure will change that. She is doing her part to fight off this deadly enemy. We want to do our part to help her, and we desperately need your help.

This year Kadyn is a Sophomore attending Greenwood Laboratory School.  She has made many friends there and is doing very well. Kadyn is currently taking the drug Trikafta and it is helping in some ways.  Kadyn's lung function has not increased, but it has stabilized, and that’s a big deal because it hasn't happened for years. Still, the reality is that her lung function is nowhere close to where it should be, her weight is still not as high as it needs to be, and her PFT’s (Pulmonary Function Tests) are not where they need to be, and more work needs to be done.  Trikafta has done mind blowing things for so many people and we are truly thankful Kadyn is able to take it.  We are still hopeful it will do big things for her.  After all of the hoping and praying the hard truth is still the same.......Drugs are NOT a cure.

Kadyn has has been on an anti-inflammatory diet to lessen the inflammation in her lungs caused by CF.  Kadyn has created so many amazing and delicious recipes while being on this diet.  Kadyn also works out daily and most days has dance practice as well.  We are in awe of her, as always, with her determination and her perseverance with regards to this diet and her commitment to her excercise. 

If you know Kadyn, you know that dance  is a huge part of Kadyn’s life. You can often find her performing at the half time of a Greenwood basketball game or at a dance competition.  Kadyn took home 3rd place at dance nationals this year. She takes dance very seriously, and if you’re lucky enough to get to see her perform on stage, you will want to go back time and time again. The way she moves and expresses herself on stage evokes so much emotion and is truly incredible to witness. We are so proud of her and her commitment to the things she loves. 

We have always wanted to come to you with incredibly positive news, because you have been here since the beginning and have supported, donated and shown up for Kadyn and the CF community for over 14 years. You are the reason this drug is even possible!!!!!  Ultimately, we have always been fighting for a CURE for everyone with CF.  So, our fight goes on and we WILL NOT stop fighting because there is no other option! We WILL find a cure!!!!!

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s mission “is to cure cystic fibrosis and to provide all people with CF the opportunity to lead long, fulfilling lives by funding research and drug development, partnering with the CF community, and advancing high-quality, specialized care.” They are doing an incredible job funding research and working to develop new therapies, more effective treatments, and medicines for those who are battling CF, but there is still no cure. Until that happens, there are no assurances for Kadyn’s future or for anyone with cystic fibrosis. CFF sums it up best: “We will not rest until we find a cure for ALL people with cystic fibrosis.”

There are 30,000 people in the U.S. living with CF. It is considered an “orphan disease” because that number does not qualify it to receive federal funding. Only our dollars will fund a cure.

We need you….to walk with us, to raise awareness, and to raise money.  The Great Strides walk will be held on Saturday October 12th at Rutledge-Wilson Farm.

We pray that you and your loved ones are well.  If you can, please consider investing in a cure for cystic fibrosis...for Kadyn's future and for all those who are fighting this terrible disease.

Please consider supporting this fight by clicking the “Donate to Ryan, Annie, K, B, and G” button near the top of the left side of this page. Your gift is 100 percent tax deductible and will help add tomorrows to the lives of people with CF by supporting life-saving research and medical progress.

As always, thank you for your friendship, your love, and all of your support!

With so much love,
Ryan, Annie, Karsten, Beckett, and Greyson