Kaylee Shirrell

My Great Strides Story

There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis. By participating in Great Strides, I am helping to end this disease for thousands of people impacted by CF.

Cystic fibrosis affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. The symptoms can vary from person to person, and as people with CF live longer than ever before, their disease can become more complicated, leading to serious health issues.  

Being a CF medical caregiver, I have seen the good, the bad, and the ugly of the treatment of this disease. I have had the opportunity to see how much Trikafta has had a positive impact on our patients, while also having mourned the death of patients whose type of CF unfortunately isn’t treatable by it. 

Cystic Fibrosis used to be a “childhood disease”, as most patients did not live to adult hood. Patients are now transitioning out of pediatric care and living long into adulthood. However, all too often, CF still eventually takes their lives. And if not their lives, often their livelihoods due to frequent hospitalizations, complications such as CFRD, and the inability to have kids of their own.

Your support makes a difference.

By donating to my fundraising goal, you will help advance our mission for a cure for all. Please consider joining us and helping make CF stand for Cure Found.