Ashley Ballou-Bonnema

Greetings devoted fighters of Cystic Fibrosis,

Within a single month of life the dreams and hopes my parents had for me as a new baby were changed forever.  At a month old I was diagnosed with the fatal genetic disease, Cystic Fibrosis.  At that time, the life expectancy didn't reach past 20 years old.  Little did my parents know what the future would hold with not only one child already being diagnosed with CF, but now having two.  My older brother, Nathan, had also been diagnosed with CF, finally losing his battle to the devastating disease after 17 years.  This past December I celebrated my 37th birthday, and I fight every day in hopes of celebrating  37 more.  My life is filled with tremendous beauty, and every breath I am given is truly a priceless gift.  To find out more about my journey with Cystic Fibrosis, please follow my blog, Breathe Bravely, at www.breathebravely.blogspot.com

CF is a progressive disease in which every year the battle becomes more difficult to fight.  The bacteria and fungus that fill my lungs are heavily resistant to antibiotics, leaving me with more rampant lung infections, scarring, loss of lung function, weight loss, and ultimately stealing the air I so desperately need to live.  What is most difficult, however, is seeing the pain it causes my family and friends.  This terrible disease forces loved ones to stand by helplessly and watch as CF ruthlessly steals the ones they love. 

There is no greater hope for the future of CF than right now.  I owe my own life to every one of you who has supported the fight against CF.  

Please walk with Team Ashley in the fight against CF and lets add tomorrows for every child, brother, sister, mother, dad, and friend impacted by Cystic Fibrosis.  

Great Strides Sioux Falls

Saturday, June 8, 2023

There are approximately 40,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis.  Real progress has been made in the search for a cure, but the lives of people with CF are still cut far too short. There still is no cure for this devastating disease. By being a part of Great Strides, we can help add tomorrows to the lives of people living with cystic fibrosis.

Will you join me? Support me by making a donation to my Great Strides fundraising campaign today!  You donation goes directly towards new life saving therapies. Let's make CF stand for CURE FOUND. 

Love to you all,

Ashley