Mari Holtkamp

My Great Strides Story

My grandson was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis when he was only two weeks old. It was a very scary time for our family, especially since we weren't aware of any CF carriers in our lineage.  Thanks to the amazing physicians & researchers at the University of Iowa (and other locations), he is now two years old and thriving!

We feel very fortunate in so many different ways.  We live fairly close to the University of Iowa hospital, he was diagnosed at such a young age due to advancements in newborn screenings, he had early access to the latest treatments, and his body is responding remarkably well! 

However, 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.  

The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has made extraordinary progress — including fostering the development of more than a dozen CF treatments — but these treatments are not a cure and not everyone can benefit from them. We must keep going.

Your support makes a difference.

We are excited to have several family members walking in the 2024 Cedar Rapids Great Strides event to support the CF Foundation.

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.