Brookelynn McPeake

Penelope’s Great Strides Story

Penelope’s mom and dad found out at 18 weeks gestation that Penelope has cystic fibrosis. It was rather shocking and tough news to hear. Once they got results back, they did monthly growth scans to keep an eye out for bowel blockages and to make sure Penelope was growing well. Penelope’s mom delivered Penelope at 40 weeks 3 days with no complications. 

At two weeks old Penelope had her first visit to the CF clinic at University of Michigan’s Mott’s Children Hospital. She was placed on digestive enzymes to help her gain weight. She was also placed on an inhaler to begin doing lung therapy. 

This is a new journey for both Penelope and her parents but by joining Penelope’s People, you are helping CF stand for Cure Found! 

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.