Matthew Friedson

Many of you are very familiar with my story. I was diagnosed with the genetic disease Cystic Fibrosis at the age of 9, but have fortunately lived a mostly healthy life thanks to medications and treatments that were available to me thanks to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Without these innovations, I would not have been able to live the life I have lived playing sports, finishing college and graduate school, having a career, getting married and starting a family.

When I was first diagnosed with CF, the life expectancy was approximately 30 years old. Now, I am almost 36 years, my lung function is 100%, and most CF patients are taking genetic modulating medications that are allowing them to live longer lives.

When I was first diagnosed with CF, doctors told my parents I might not be able to have children because even though male CF patients produce sperm, 99% of the time they become trapped. Now, thanks to a minor outpatient procedure (ouch!) and the miracles of IVF, Olivia and I have a beautiful 10 months old daughter named Harper, who amazingly does not have CF.

When I was first diagnosed with CF, my family did not know what to expect. As a father now, I understand how scared they must have been. However, they kept a positive outlook and became heavily involved with the CF Foundation knowing that one day a cure would be found. They were pretty much right (for a change). Two years ago, I started taking the genetic modulating medication called Trikafta and my life changed forever. I take 3 pills a day that alter the CF gene in my body and all of a sudden, I miraculously stopped needing to use my vest (lung PT), nebulizer, and several other pills. I barely cough anymore, get sinus infections or rely on antibiotics several times a year.

Fortunately, my grandparents were able to see these incredible improvements in CF treatments over the years and know that I would be able to live a full life. However, only one of them, Shirley Wollman, was able to meet Harper and know that I was able to have a child of my own. Shirley passed away a few months ago, but I know she would want us to continue to fundraise until a cure was found for all CF patients.

We are at a pivotal moment in the history of Cystic Fibrosis and your support matters. With your help, we can invest our resources in research today, while raising funds for tomorrow, to ensure we have what it takes to reach the finish line. Together, we can make CF stand for Cure Found. Please help me reach my fundraising goal!