Jessica Bustraan

 I never knew what Cystic Fibrosis (CF) was until I started working as a social worker at the HDVCH Pediatric Pulmonology Clinic almost 8 years ago. However, the more I learn, the more I am amazed by the passion, resiliency, and dedication of people with CF and their families. The children and families that I work with have to deal with 2 - 3 hours of breathing treatments and numerous medications every. single. day. On top of that, there are frequent doctor visits, possible sinus surgeries, and the constant worry of needing to be hospitalized for 2 -3 weeks of IV antibiotics for a CF "tune-up". Treatments and medications are increased to 3 - 4 times a day when ill and at that point we are talking about practically a full time job!

Yet, despite all of this, these children are like every other child out there - they just want to play, goof off, and have fun whenever they can. They have dreams and ambitions and plan to grow old. Thanks to new medications and treatments, these children are going to be able to longer, fuller lives. We would not have these new medications and treatments if it were not for the research that is funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF), which is why raising money for Great Strides is vitally important!

Please join me in helping CF stand for CURE FOUND! Your gift will help add tomorrows to the lives of people with cystic fibrosis, including the children that I work with, by supporting life-saving research and medical progress. Your gift is 100-percent tax deductible.