Sarah Jergensen

My Great Strides Story

I participate in Great Strides every year to honor Hope. There aren't adequate words to describe the joy this child brings to everyone she knows. She is sassy, hilarious, and sunshine incarnate. Sometimes when I look at her I am forced to marvel at how MUCH heart can fit in one human being. When things are hard for Hope she just keeps moving and smiling and hugging and loving. I am so fiercely proud of her and in awe of the way she takes everything in stride.  

Of course, she doesn't know any other life. She's always been followed by a million doctors across the state. She's always had a vest and nebulizer. Just like she's always had blue eyes and she's always been silly. She knows she is lucky to have access to a modulator that "fixes" the "Problem." She knows that there are people that aren't as lucky and she knows how bad it can be. 

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.

I love this walk because it is a chance for all of US to show her that we see how strong she is and we see how brave she is and we know things are different in her life. But because we love HER we are not afraid or shy or timid about going to bat when our chance comes. I love this walk because Hope deserves to live a life that is not limited by the pesky little DNA mutations trying to steal the breath from her lungs. But medications need to be developed and researched, and research needs funding and funding needs people to contribute to it. But funding is funding - it's not the value of the change at the bottom of your purse that matters as much as the number of purses!! 

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.