My Great Strides Story
Tara Wright
Fundraising for Charleston Great Strides 2026
Tara Wright
Before my daughter Aubree was diagnosed, I didn't have a full understanding of what cystic fibrosis was. I recalled from nursing school it was a terrible genetic disease that affected the lungs and those diagnosed would live a short life. What is CF actually? 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. It makes absorption of nutrients difficult in the digestive tract. It often leads to other cf related health issues, like diabetes. Then there's the medications, doctor visits, and testing that will never end.
There are treatments for certain mutations that have been able to provide a fuller, longer life for some but not all. Currently, there is NO cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF are still dying young. I'm walking to help change that reality.
Today, Aubree is a energetic, silly, sassy, fun-loving 4 year old. Despite taking medication twice a day to keep her body functioning properly, and having to do her vest (chest PT) twice a day and more if she is sick. She has neb treatments daily, doctors visits with specialists every three months along with normal pediatrician appointments. Despite lab draws to monitor how her body is doing on medication that can affect her liver, kidneys, sight, ect. Despite the extra
antibiotics and supplements. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but that's ok because she has a chance at a longer, fuller life. She can participate in anything other kids can do, a chance to have her own family one day, even grandkids, if that's God's plan. I pray and thank god everyday for the treatments we have and never take it for granted because there is alot we just don't know in the long term, except that there is hope. Hope for a cure, all because of donations like yours that fund research and make a difference, so thank you!
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.
There are treatments for certain mutations that have been able to provide a fuller, longer life for some but not all. Currently, there is NO cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF are still dying young. I'm walking to help change that reality.
Today, Aubree is a energetic, silly, sassy, fun-loving 4 year old. Despite taking medication twice a day to keep her body functioning properly, and having to do her vest (chest PT) twice a day and more if she is sick. She has neb treatments daily, doctors visits with specialists every three months along with normal pediatrician appointments. Despite lab draws to monitor how her body is doing on medication that can affect her liver, kidneys, sight, ect. Despite the extra
antibiotics and supplements. It sounds like a lot, and it is, but that's ok because she has a chance at a longer, fuller life. She can participate in anything other kids can do, a chance to have her own family one day, even grandkids, if that's God's plan. I pray and thank god everyday for the treatments we have and never take it for granted because there is alot we just don't know in the long term, except that there is hope. Hope for a cure, all because of donations like yours that fund research and make a difference, so thank you!
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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