My Team CF Story

There are nearly 40,000 Americans living with cystic fibrosis -- a rare, genetic, life-shortening disease. They are moms, dads, sisters, brothers, daughters, sons, friends and co-workers who struggle every day just to breathe. I am running the Chicago Marathon to support one of my best friends, Reed.

I met Reed on move-in day at our freshman dorm at Linfield College. As we got to know each other, Reed shared that he has been living with CF his whole life. In order to ease symptoms, reduce complications, and improve quality of life, Reed required various daily medical treatments (airway clearance techniques, vest therapy, nebulizer therapy, etc). He shared with me that his doctors told him the average life expectancy was about 30 years of age due to the progression of the disease. However, Reed is now in his thirties and one of the most positive people I have ever met - one may not even know he has been living with this disease.

Due to a new drug (Trikafta) Reed started taking in early 2020, he has been able to eliminate some of his daily medical treatments and has been thriving in his personal and professional life. Since he started taking the Trikafta medication, he has 100% lung function and has been named the #1 business banker in the country at a publically traded company for the second year in a row. It truly is incredible to see the tangible, real life difference the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation has been in changing Reed's life and realizing his own potential. Even with this tremendous progress, there is still no cure for CF and that is why I am raising money for Team CF as they pursue innovative scientific research.

Will you join us and help make a difference in the lives of people living with CF? All you need to do to become a member of our team is click on the "Join our Team" button. From there, you can make a donation and start fundraising.

By becoming a member of our team and making a donation, you will be part of a tenacious and passionate group of people committed to ending this disease. Together, let’s make CF stand for Cure Found!