My Breathe Team Story
Fundraising for 2026 Walt Disney World Marathon
Brooke Hopkins
My sister, Ashley, has Cystic Fibrosis, and I’ve seen firsthand the challenges she has faced—especially in high school, when hospital stays became routine. Everything changed when Trikafta came out, giving her a new lease on life, and we are so incredibly grateful.
Jill Perlette was a dedicated RN on the Pediatric floor at WakeMed in Raleigh, bringing care and comfort to so many. She bravely fought Cystic Fibrosis and received a living-donor lung transplant from her parents, but sadly, she lost her battle. The Perlette family has been close to ours for 40 years, making this race even more meaningful.
Now, I’m giving back by fundraising for CF research—because it has changed my sister’s life and can continue to save so many others. In January 2026, I’ll be running the Dopey Challenge at Disney World—48.6 miles over four days (5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon)—in memory of Jill and in celebration of Ashley.
Every dollar makes a difference. Any support you can give means the world to me and families like ours! 💜
CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. CF makes it difficult to breathe and fight life-threatening infections, often leading to extensive lung damage and respiratory failure.
Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.
Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?
By donating to my fundraising goal, you have the power to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF.
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