My Great Strides Story
Kristen Smith
Hi, I’m Kristen. I’m walking for two of the most important people in my life—my niece, Navy, and my daughter, Cecelia—both of whom are living with cystic fibrosis.
Our journey with CF began when Navy, my sister’s daughter, was flagged at her newborn screening. After months of testing and uncertainty, we received the life-changing diagnosis. Thanks to her daily treatments and the groundbreaking medication, Trikafta, Navy has flourished. Now, at 3 years old, she’s the happiest, most energetic little girl you could ever meet—full of laughter, love, and an infectious smile.
In October 2022, after discovering I was pregnant, my partner and I underwent extensive genetic testing to confirm that we were both carriers of the CF gene. The reality hit hard when we learned that our baby had a 25% chance of being born with CF. Two weeks before I gave birth, the results of my amniocentesis came in, and the news was confirmed: Cecelia would be born with cystic fibrosis. Although it was a heartbreaking moment, I found strength in Navy’s journey, knowing that with love, care, and hope, Cecelia could thrive too.
Like Navy, Cecelia started her daily treatments early—salt to help prevent dehydration, Albuterol, chest physiotherapy, and nebulizer treatments. At just one year old, she began Pulmozyme and was fitted for a vest. Every day comes with its challenges, but I am proud to say that Cecelia is thriving. We remain hopeful that, just like Navy, she will one day benefit from Trikafta.
I’m walking to raise awareness and funds for CF research because our fight is not just for Navy and Cecelia—it’s for the 40,000 people in the U.S. living with CF. Every dollar raised helps support critical research into better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. These funds support work on genetic therapies, improving lung health, addressing nutritional needs, and overcoming the many challenges of CF care—especially for adults.
I invite you to join us in this crucial fight. Every contribution, no matter how big or small, fuels the hope for a healthier future for Navy, Cecelia, and the thousands of others affected by CF. Your generosity means everything to us—and to the many families who dream of a cure.
Please consider donating through the link below, and if you’re able, join us at the Cleveland Great Strides Walk for a Cure on May 17, 2025, at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Together, we can make a difference and bring hope, healing, and a cure to families like ours.
Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for standing with us and supporting this vital cause.
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