While my family doesn’t have a direct diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, we know firsthand what it means to fight for breath. My nephew was born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia — a rare, life-threatening condition where the diaphragm doesn’t fully form, allowing organs to move into the chest and severely restrict lung development. From his very first moments, breathing was not something he could take for granted.

Watching your family member struggle for every breath changes you. It gives you a deep respect for families who live every day with chronic lung disease — including those battling cystic fibrosis. While the causes may be different, the fight for oxygen, strength, and normalcy is shared.

That’s why I’m running this Disney race to raise $1,500 for cystic fibrosis research and support. I may not have CF in my family, but I understand what it means to fight for breath — and I run to honor every child and family who faces that fight daily.