Julie Mullen

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 my son, Jeffrey, and hope you will support me in my efforts. He is 23 years old, graduated from Mizzou last May with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, and currently attending graduate school at Columbia College to get his teaching degree. 

Jeffrey has been struggling with this disease since his diagnosis at the age of 5. Since this is a genetic disease, he was born with it, but a CF diagnosis was not reached until age 5 after being misdiagnosed with asthma. CF testing is now done as part of the newborn screening process.

Jeffrey is blessed to currently be taking a CF drug called Trikafta. It is the closest thing we have to a cure right now. It has been called a 'miracle drug'. This medicine has improved Jeffrey's quality of life by leaps and bounds! It's donations to the CF Foundation that helped make this medicine possible.

While he no longer has to do breathing/vest treatments, he still has enzymes he must take when he eats as well as deal with other CF complications. You see, this medicine is not a cure. He still has CF - and we must continue the fight! We are so thankful for this medicine, because it has given him a new lease on life. Just recently it was announced, by the CF Foundation, that the new life expectancy is 56 years old! It's truly amazing how far we've come with treatments & medicines! The CF Foundation played a huge role in making that happen.

However, the lives of many people with CF are still cut far too short. There is still no actual cure for this devastating disease. It is a terminal disease. Many of those with CF are not able to take the Trikafta drug. They don't have the same amazing improvements that others do. And even those that do take it, still have CF. They still have digestive issues, respiratory issues, CF diabetes, etc.

We MUST continue fighting, until CF stands for Cure Found!!

By walking today, I am helping add tomorrows to the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis - specifically for my amazing son, Jeffrey. Will you join 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.

Support me by making a donation today! We need your help to be able to continue the amazing progress being made!

Your gift will help add tomorrows to the lives of people with CF by supporting life-saving research and medical progress. Your gift is 100% tax deductible.

Thank you for your generosity!!

If you would like to walk with us, the Great Strides walk of Columbia will happen on April 29, 2023 at Bethel Park, with a start time of 10 AM. All are welcome!!

With enormous thanks,

Julie