Twenty-four years ago, cystic fibrosis became part of our family's story. When Maureen and Kelly were diagnosed with CF in 2002, a baby born with CF had a median predicted survival of just 35 years.  Today, that number has nearly doubled to 66 years and continues to climb.
 

That remarkable progress is the result of decades of research funded by donors who believed a better future was possible. For decades, CF care focused on treating symptoms. Today, medications called CFTR modulators can help repair the defective protein that causes cystic fibrosis. These therapies are changing lives, allowing people with CF to spend less time in hospitals and more time pursuing their dreams.
 

This year, as we prepare for Great Strides, we are reflecting on how much those advances have changed our daughters' lives. Maureen and her fiancé Brandon are preparing for a trip to Italy with his family, and Kelly will spend the holidays in India with Sid and his family.  They are pursuing their passions, building their futures, and enjoying life’s adventures in ways that once seemed uncertain.
 

For many years, our lives revolved around medical appointments, treatments, procedures, and hospital stays. Today, thanks to groundbreaking medications that target the underlying cause of CF, both Maureen and Kelly are healthier than we ever imagined possible. This year, we are grateful to report no hospitalizations and no major procedures.
 

That is the power of science.
 

But we also know our family is fortunate. 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.