Rachel Lemon

My Great Strides Story

My nephew Nate was born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a genetic disease that causes damage to his lungs and digestive system. He needs medications and breathing treatments multiple times a day to help prevent damage to his body and to stay healthy! Nate manages all of this, plus extra doctor appointments, with a smile and a great attitude. We are so proud of him!

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has launched a Path to a Cure - devoting $500 million dollars through 2025 into finding a treatment for every person living with CF and finding a cure. Nate has benefited a lot from the CF Foundation already, with the research and quick FDA approval of a groundbreaking medication called Kalydeco. We feel so lucky, but sadly it is not a cure, and we still desperately need one!

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 donating and/or joining us at the Parsipanny Great Strides Walk on May 21st and help make medical history.