My Team CF Story

Hi everyone, most of you know my wonderful wife Jessica. Many of you know she has Cystic Fibrosis. Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that among other things destroys the lungs starting at birth. When Jessica was born, her parents knew something was wrong. Her mom and dad were told she would likely only live to be a teenager. Jessica survived to go to college and eventually get married. Most of her CF friends were not that lucky. In fact, of the dozens of kids Jessica went to Cystic Fibrosis camp with growing up, she is the only survivor. Jessica and I met while I was in medical school when she was 24. Her kindness and determination were palpable. If you know her, you understand exactly what I mean. At that time she was expecting to see 30 with good care and some luck. I really thought I would only be married for a short while, but I make plans and God laughs. Jessica and I just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary. We never thought we would have children. We just drop our son off at college for his freshmen year and our twin daughters just started the 10th grade.

I became a Pulmonary/Critical Care doctor in no small part because of Jessica. My colleagues ask me all the time how she has done so well. I usually answer the same way. 1. God has other plans for her. 2. Her parents gave her the best care possible. 3. She is the most determined human being I have ever known. I sometimes forget to talk about the amazing work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The CF foundation has tirelessly marched towards a cure for all CF patients. They refuse to leave any patient behind. The have always strived to make sure all CF patients have what they need. A few years ago, the years begin to catch up with Jessica. Her lung function was dropping quickly. I didn't think we had much time. Again, divine providence and through an amazing partnership with the CF Foundation and Vertex Pharmaceuticals we suddenly were given Trikafta. Now Jessica is as healthy has she has ever been.

However, Trikafta doesn't work for all CF patients. There are still so many patients suffering from this terrible disease. The CF Foundation refuses to leave them behind. I support their mission and I hope you will too. At almost 52 years old I am running my first marathon, the Chicago Marathon, next month in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. I've run about 1200 miles these last 10 months and every part of my body hurts. If I just have small portion of Jessica's determination I know I'll be ok. I am running this race in honor of my beautiful wife Jessica. I hope you will join me in supporting the CF Foundation and donate to team "Mama Donna" which is named after Jessica's late mother. Trip, Molly, Lauren and all Jessica's family thank you for any support!