Help Us Find a Cure for Cystic Fibrosis – Join My Walk for a Cause Close to My Heart

On May 4, 2012 I lost my cousin, Anthony Martinez, to Cystic Fibrosis (CF) at the age of 28. He was a free spirit with a love for life that was contagious. He had an undeniable passion for tie-dye, was a die-hard Grateful Dead fan, and could always be found strumming his guitar. His sense of humor was one of a kind – sarcastic, witty, and always keeping us on our toes with his clever (snarky?) one-liners.

Since his passing, I’ve made it my mission to raise awareness and funds for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation through the Great Strides Walk, and I’ll continue this fight every year until a cure is found. Anthony’s spirit still drives me to keep pushing forward, and I hope he is looking down proudly.

Cystic Fibrosis is a genetic disease that affects the lungs, digestive system, and other organs, causing life-threatening complications. It’s caused by a mutation in the CFTR gene, and while we’ve made incredible strides in treatments, we still don’t have a cure.

• Approximately 30,000 people in the U.S. are living with CF.
• The average life expectancy for someone with CF is around 44 years, but thanks to the advancements made through research, that number continues to improve each year.
• The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation plays a pivotal role in funding groundbreaking research and providing support to families navigating this disease.

Every step I take in this walk is for Anthony, for everyone living with CF, and for the hope that one day, no family will have to experience the pain of losing a loved one to this disease. Your donation will help fund the research and treatments that are getting us closer to a cure.

I truly believe we're making progress, and with your support, we can get there faster. No donation is too small – each dollar brings us one step closer to ending CF for good. Please consider donating today to help keep Anthony’s memory alive and continue the fight for a cure.

Thank you so much for your generosity, your support, and for helping me honor Anthony’s legacy.

Donate today and make a difference.