

My Great Strides Story
Fundraising for Cleveland Great Strides 2026
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 CF journey began when Navy, my sister’s daughter, was flagged on her newborn screening. After months of testing and a lot of unknowns, we finally received her diagnosis. With daily treatments and Trikafta, Navy has done incredibly well, though the road hasn’t always been easy. She was hospitalized last year, which was scary for all of us, but she pushed through it like the strong little girl she is. Today, at 4 years old, she’s happy, energetic, and constantly making us laugh.
Since then, Cecelia has had some typical bumps along the way, but overall she’s been doing well. She recently started Trikafta, and we’re encouraged by how she’s responding. Right now, both girls are doing well, and I’m incredibly grateful for the research, treatments, and support that make that possible.







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