As most of you know, my sister and I were diagnosed with CF in 2002, a genetic disorder that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in various organs, primarily affecting our lungs and digestive systems.

Kelly and I are lucky to say that our lives are pretty normal, except for the daily airway clearance, medications, and quarterly medical appointments. Kelly just got my first full-time job since graduating college, and we are both healthy and able to enjoy time with our loved ones. This is due in large part to Trikafta, a groundbreaking drug that targets the underlying cause of symptoms of CF, made possible through fundraising events like the Walk.

But there is no cure for CF, and it is a progressive disease – symptoms get worse as we get older. And there are many others with rare mutations who are still waiting for effective treatments. We rely on contributions like yours to fund research and development, and allow us to thrive as we continue into adulthood.

We’d love to have you join our team and walk with us this year. There will be music, food, and good times had by all. If you can’t make it, please consider making a donation to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to support the talented scientists working on new drugs and therapies to make living with CF easier