Walking for Willy! (Janie Lupica's Team)

Welcome to Team Walking for Willy!

As a lot of you know, my little brother Will was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis when he was six months old. Ever since then we have been fighting against the disease to make sure that, in the future, he can breathe a little bit easier and feel a little bit better.

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic disease that primarily affects a patient's lung function. There are approximately 30,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis. As of now, there is no cure for the disease. As a CF sister, I have watched Will spend hours doing treatments, take a bunch of daily medications and make countless trips up to the hospital.

This has been such an exciting year for many in the CF community as some of the therapies that have been in the drug pipeline have received FDA approval! While Will is one of the lucky ones who benefits from the newest medications, there are many others with different CF mutations who are waiting for their breakthrough. Everyone with CF is patiently waiting for the cure that will let them lead their life free of burdensome daily treatments. We are so grateful that the CF Foundation uses its money so effectively. 85 cents out of every dollar goes directly to CF care and research. Your contributions help buy the science that will lead to a cure.

I feel so lucky to have walked in the Great Strides Walk-a-Thon for the past 26 years of my life, and I am excited to once again lead up a team of walkers and sponsors! I'm so grateful for all of the wonderful family and friends who have walked by my side or sent encouraging love to support the walk's success.

This team page allows you to sign up to walk in the Great Strides Walk-a-Thon on Saturday May 11th at Slater Park in Pawtucket to join us virtually to log our miles walking for a cure! I know that together, we are adding tomorrows to the lives of my brother, Willy, and so many people living with CF by supporting the search for a cure.

Love, Janie