My Great Strides Story
JJ Ward
Fundraising for Eastern Iowa Great Strides 2026
JJ Ward
JJ will turn 6 this May! It has been a long road since his rocky first weeks of life. After birth, JJ made it to the NICU at our local hospital. From there, they noticed he may have a bowel blockage. Weather prevented a helicopter ride, but an emergency ambulance to the University of Iowa Children's hospital, and admission to Bay 1. An emergency bowel surgery the next morning removed about 1/3 of his small intestine. Screening results confirmed Cystic Fibrosis, the blockage was a complication of his disease. We've lost count of the hospitalizations and ambulance rides since then, but on the outside, JJ is a typical 5 year old. He loves all things Hawks! He also enjoys soccer, wrestling, fishing, baseball, golf, and riding his bike! His scars are a reminder of the journey so far. He has a strict regimen of medication, treatments, and maintenance for his lungs, liver, and digestive needs. We are thankful for the medical advancements that keep him healthy, and the close eye his care team keeps on him. We know that the job is not done. We need your help raising awareness. We need your help fundraising for a cure and treatments!
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