My Great Strides Story
Kayla Burbridge
Kayla Burbridge
Emmanuel was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis in 2021, through the newborn screening done at the hospital, and then confirmed at the University of Michigan’s Mott Children’s hospital with a sweat test. Emmanuel has CF gene mutations deltaF508 and 3849+10kbC>T. We immediately started treatments and medications to ensure the best quality of life for him.
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 extensive lung damage and respiratory failure. It also severely cripples the digestive system and affects the ability to gain weight and absorb essential nutrients.
Giving Emmanuel the best fighting chance to live with this disease includes lots of doctor’s appointments, specialty doctors, daily breathing treatments, daily medications, blood work, x-rays, etc. As a mother, this breaks my heart, and I wish this was something he did not have to go through. I pray every day that there will be a cure to take all of this away.
Our Emmanuel is the biggest trooper and is so strong and courageous. He takes on all of this with the bravest face. Emmanuel’s name means, “God is with us”, and I see that every day in his life. Despite his trials, he is an incredibly kind, smart, and joyful little boy. He loves music and instruments and cars and anything to do with letters or numbers. He is truly a light that shines to all those around him.
And although the medical advances thus far have been incredible and allowed for him to have a life that most people with CF do not have, there is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis. We want to provide every person with CF with the opportunity to live a long, healthy life. I’m walking to help change that reality. Will you join me?
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 extensive lung damage and respiratory failure. It also severely cripples the digestive system and affects the ability to gain weight and absorb essential nutrients.
Giving Emmanuel the best fighting chance to live with this disease includes lots of doctor’s appointments, specialty doctors, daily breathing treatments, daily medications, blood work, x-rays, etc. As a mother, this breaks my heart, and I wish this was something he did not have to go through. I pray every day that there will be a cure to take all of this away.
Our Emmanuel is the biggest trooper and is so strong and courageous. He takes on all of this with the bravest face. Emmanuel’s name means, “God is with us”, and I see that every day in his life. Despite his trials, he is an incredibly kind, smart, and joyful little boy. He loves music and instruments and cars and anything to do with letters or numbers. He is truly a light that shines to all those around him.
And although the medical advances thus far have been incredible and allowed for him to have a life that most people with CF do not have, there is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis. We want to provide every person with CF with the opportunity to live a long, healthy life. I’m walking to help change that reality. Will you join me?
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