My Great Strides Story
Jeannette Waugh
Fundraising for Portland Great Strides
Jeannette Waugh
2025 will be Team Laura's 25th year participating in the Great Strides walk to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. My best friend, Laura Boston Alvino, learned she had CF back in 1991 when she was 18 years old. At that time, the median age of CF survivors was 23 years old. She was passionate about fundraising and supporting CF research for the next 22 years. She organized annual charity yard sales, ran 45's card tournaments, lead Great Strides walks, and even participated in clinical trials. She had a full and active life despite this genetic condition, including college, a career, a loving marriage, healthy children, skiing, soccer, and traveling. Each year she benefited from the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation's progress. When Laura was 40 years old, she died suddenly from colon cancer which is now known to be one of many related and potentially fatal complications of Cystic Fibrosis. The year she died (2013) the median age of survivors was 40 years old. In the 12 years since she's been gone we still walk in her honor, and the life expectancy for people living with CF is still climbing. In 2025 the median age of survivors is now 50 years old! This fundraiser is so important to us because we have been watching this tremendous progress for 25 years and know this money is helping everyone with CF live a longer, healthier life. Team Laura will keep walking until a cure is found!
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. No donation is too small, and we are so grateful for any and all support!
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. No donation is too small, and we are so grateful for any and all support!
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