My Great Strides Story
Jean Spaulding
Jean Spaulding
On March 17, 1963, the Boston Celtics held a retirement ceremony at the Boston Garden for one of their super stars, Bob Cousy. Known as the "Houdini of the Hardwood," Cousy was also the Honorary Chairman of the Massachusetts Chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. My sister, Martha Grady, was chosen to present Bob Cousy with a token of appreciation from the CFF. Wearing a bright green dress, in honor of St. Patrick's Day as well as the Celtics, Martha reached up on her skinny legs and Cousy bent down for a hug - the crowd at the Garden erupted!
My parents, Jean and John Grady, were instrumental in organizing the Massachusetts Chapter of the CFF not long after Martha was diagnosed in 1955 - the same year I was born. As a family, we all were dedicated to raising funds for research to help Martha and all the other families who were taking care of or had lost children with CF. The life expectancy back then was dismal - Martha struggled for 16 years before succumbing to the fatal disease, just 3 years after Cousy's retirement.
The story is much brighter now for children diagnosed with CF. Research has resulted in drugs that have increased quality of life and life expectancy well into adulthood, even into old age! Trikafta has proven to be the miracle my parents had hoped for so many years ago. But it is not the final answer, and for some with CF it is not an answer at all. Research needs to continue to help and support the 40,000 people living with CF.
When I was growing up, we did door-to-door fund drives and my parents put on annual dances to raise money. Today, it is the Great Strides walks that I participate in, and with your help, however small, I hope to reach my goal of $1000. Thank you!
My parents, Jean and John Grady, were instrumental in organizing the Massachusetts Chapter of the CFF not long after Martha was diagnosed in 1955 - the same year I was born. As a family, we all were dedicated to raising funds for research to help Martha and all the other families who were taking care of or had lost children with CF. The life expectancy back then was dismal - Martha struggled for 16 years before succumbing to the fatal disease, just 3 years after Cousy's retirement.
The story is much brighter now for children diagnosed with CF. Research has resulted in drugs that have increased quality of life and life expectancy well into adulthood, even into old age! Trikafta has proven to be the miracle my parents had hoped for so many years ago. But it is not the final answer, and for some with CF it is not an answer at all. Research needs to continue to help and support the 40,000 people living with CF.
When I was growing up, we did door-to-door fund drives and my parents put on annual dances to raise money. Today, it is the Great Strides walks that I participate in, and with your help, however small, I hope to reach my goal of $1000. Thank you!
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