Christina Michels

GREAT STRIDES 2023

Hello family and friends! I cannot believe another year has gone by and it is time for the CF Walk once again. I’ve had another difficult year, so I’m going to keep this year’s letter brief.

As most of you know, several years ago, I began taking Trikafta; the long-awaited medication that corrects the basic genetic defect in CF. Although I’ve never been able to tolerate the full dose due to side effects, I’ve experienced great benefits: my lung function is back up to over 100% for the first time in years, and my sinuses are clear as well. However, shortly after I started taking Trikafta is when my parents and I noticed a decline in my mental health. This past year I struggled mightily with anxiety and depression, so much so that I even stopped taking Trikafta for a brief period of time to see if I could get any relief. After only two weeks, I had to resume it because I was having more difficulty breathing, and my cough was so bad it was like I was choking at times. While I have been seeing a therapist for years, I’m now also working with a psychopharmacologist to find a better medication regimen to treat my anxiety and depression. This is one of the unfortunate realities of living with CF: having to deal with medication side effects, some of which are life-altering, because the medication that is available is better than not taking that medication at all.

While I continue to fight these battles, my family and I hold on to the hope that there will be another medication that can provide me some relief with fewer side effects, or even a cure for CF. That is why we continue to support the work of the CF Foundation.

This year, the Great Strides Walk to cure Cystic Fibrosis will be held at Busse Woods in Schaumburg at Grove 24 on Saturday, May 13th. (Please note: this is a location change from previous years!)

Last year, Team Christina raised over $60,000! Even if you can’t join us, you can still contribute in the following ways:

Now, more than ever, your support can make a difference not only in my life, but all of those fighting CF. Thank you for continuing to stand by me and my family as we face the many challenges that CF continues to present us.

All of my love,

Christina