The Story of a BRAVE Girl: Caitlin MacKillop
Emmer MacKillop
Fundraising for Dallas Great Strides 2026
Emmer MacKillop
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. We're walking to help change that reality.
CF is 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 lung damage and respiratory failure.
Every person born with cystic fibrosis experiences this disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for many people fighting it.
By three months of age, things were looking bleak for Caitlin. She had stopped growing, and we were watching her waste away on a full stomach, while fighting chronic sinus infections. I kept taking her back to the pediatrician who referred us to specialists. One of them recognized the symptoms and ordered some gene testing which flagged a less common CF gene than what is tested for in newborn screenings. We were referred to the CF Clinic at Children's Health Dallas where we found treatments and hope. With enzyme therapy to digest her food for her, vitamins, supplements, and breathing treatments, Caitlin began to thrive! These life saving treatments were developed through past research funded by the CF foundation, and we're so grateful to those who took an interest then, so that so many children can be well now. We're so grateful for our brave girl--healthy, happy, and with a long life ahead of her.
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.
CF is 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 lung damage and respiratory failure.
Every person born with cystic fibrosis experiences this disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for many people fighting it.
By three months of age, things were looking bleak for Caitlin. She had stopped growing, and we were watching her waste away on a full stomach, while fighting chronic sinus infections. I kept taking her back to the pediatrician who referred us to specialists. One of them recognized the symptoms and ordered some gene testing which flagged a less common CF gene than what is tested for in newborn screenings. We were referred to the CF Clinic at Children's Health Dallas where we found treatments and hope. With enzyme therapy to digest her food for her, vitamins, supplements, and breathing treatments, Caitlin began to thrive! These life saving treatments were developed through past research funded by the CF foundation, and we're so grateful to those who took an interest then, so that so many children can be well now. We're so grateful for our brave girl--healthy, happy, and with a long life ahead of her.
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.
APR
10
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