Aarika Davis

My Great Strides Story

I am the mother of a tiny warrior. My son Elijah was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis at just 19 days old. As first time parents with such little knowledge on the subject and no idea we were carriers, my husband and I were shocked at the diagnosis. We were overwhelmed and scared for our newborn. We didn’t know what this would mean for our future. Elijah has two mutations, one being more common and one being more rare. There is no cure for his disease. There is a 25% chance any child we have will also have CF. There is a 50% chance any child we have will be carrier of one of the genes. There is also a 25% chance any child we have will be completely healthy. Although our sweet boy seems healthy from the outside this disease attacks the inside of him every day. Sticky mucus attaches to his lungs and other organs. He is also pancreatic insufficient. He has to wear a vest and nebulize albuterol twice day for 20min. One treatment included hypersol. When he’s sick we do this 4 times a day. He has to take enzymes for every meal. He’s had to do this since he was under a month old. Our daily routine is very different than most. We are so thankful for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and everyone who works hard to find a cure. We are so thankful and appreciative to every person who has donated to this cause. Our hope and prayers are for a cure so our son can live a long normal life. 

Nearly 40,000 people in the United States have cystic fibrosis: a progressive, genetic disease that affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, and friends who face the sobering prospect of a shortened lifespan. I walk for my son and all of them. 

Working alongside the CF community, the CF Foundation has fostered the development of more than a dozen CF treatments and helped add decades of life for people with CF. Yet, many people with CF do not benefit from existing therapies. Our vision is a cure for every person with cystic fibrosis – a life free from the burden of this disease – and we will not leave anyone behind.

You can support me!

By supporting my fundraising goal, you have an opportunity in your lifetime to be part of ending this disease. Please consider joining Elijah’s warriors and donating to help make medical history. Every dollar means the world to us. Thank you so much for your support.