Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a progressive, genetic disease that causes thick, sticky mucus to build up in the lungs and digestive system, leading to severe respiratory and nutritional problems. Just a decade ago, a CF diagnosis often meant a childhood filled with hospital visits, complex daily treatments, and a life expectancy that rarely passed into the 30s.
 
But in recent years, we've witnessed incredible breakthroughs. In 2019, the FDA approved Trikafta, the first triple-combination therapy that targets the underlying cause of CF in over 90% of patients with the most common gene mutation. This treatment has dramatically improved lung function, reduced hospitalizations, and enhanced quality of life for many. Earlier modulators like Kalydeco, Orkambi, and Symdeko paved the way, each helping subsets of the CF population. These advances have helped push the median predicted survival age into the 50s—a number that continues to rise. Fortunately, our nephew Caden has been approved to be on both Trikafta and Orkambi, but he still consistently has to take enzymes with each meal and snack, along with 2x daily chest physiotherapy (he wears a vest with high-frequency vibrations paired with albuterol) to break up the mucus.
 
With more R&D, new therapies, medications, and procedures are coming to light to enhance his daily life and extend his predicted survival age. We walk as most CF patients can’t run and we continue to do this every year to raise funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation that uses every dollar raised to pour into new research and care.
 
Thanks for taking the time to read and learn more about this disease and those fighting for a cure.