Carmella Zeno

Rich’s Grandson Drew tells his story:

Hi, I am 16 years old, and I have cystic fibrosis. I was diagnosed when I was 10 days old with a severe genotypetype of CF. I have been working hard every day of my life to slow the progression of my disease. Thankfully, all the medications and the therapy I do keep my lung disease under control. Unfortunately, there are no proven medications to treat the other medical problems I have. I have severe sinus disease. I have had four sinus surgeries to keep them as clear as possible, while I wait to have the next one. Just this past year, I was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis Liver Disease. I take a medication twice a day to hopefully clear my liver ducts and prevent more cirhosis. I will eventually need a liver transplant, as I suffer from portal hypertension and an enlarged spleen. The worst part of my CF Liver Disease, is that I cannot play contact sports or exercise too hard. I do play baseball, and I wear a spleen protector just in case, because I am at high risk for bleeding internally. Living with Cystic Fibrosis is not easy, but I live a very happy life! I have the best family and friends, and they are always there to support me when I need it.

Cystic Fibrosis is a progressive disease, so the older I get, the sicker I get, and I need a cure as soon as possible! Researchers have been working hard to find drugs to work in the cells of our bodies to combat the problem where it occurs. Some people with CF are already using drugs that are enabling them to live normal healthy lives! This is so exciting! I am so close to my miracle drug! There is a clinical trial in stage three development right now, that is targeted for people like me. By the beginning of next year, I may have access to the drug! I need your help to get my drug as soon as possible! The trials cost money, and the drug development is very expensive. We have raised a lot of money over the past 12 years, but our work is not done. There are still so many people who suffer like me. We cannot rest until EVERYONE has a CURE! If you can donate to my team I would really love that! 

Real progress has been made for those who have CF, but there is still no cure for this devastating disease and many lives are cut far too short. We’ve come so far, but there’s still so much work to do. I will not stop striding until all those with cystic fibrosis have a cure. Will you join me? Please consider donating to my Great Strides fundraising campaign today!

Please support me!

We are at a pivotal moment in the history of cystic fibrosis and your support matters. Your gift will help add tomorrows to the lives of people with cystic fibrosis by supporting groundbreaking research and medical progress towards a cure. Please help me reach my fundraising goal!