At just seven weeks old, Cooper was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), a genetic disorder that turned our world upside down. We'd never heard of it before this, but quickly learned CF is a life-shortening disease that severely damages the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. Cooper's journey began at the CF Clinic at Children’s Health in Dallas, where we learned his inability to absorb nutrients, placing him in the less than 1st percentile for weight, was due to CF. The nightly cough that worried us was caused by mucus buildup in his lungs, a constant struggle for those with CF, making breathing a constant challenge and leaving them vulnerable to life-threatening infections.

Today, Cooper is thriving, thanks to starting Trikafta, enzyme supplements, and twice-daily breathing treatments to clear his lungs. He's a joyful toddler, fascinated by the world around him, and loves Pixar, books, and playing with his older sister. While he's made remarkable progress, the fight against CF is far from over. We desperately need a cure to give Cooper and all those with CF the chance at a long, healthy life.