My Great Strides Story
Elijah Coggin
Fundraising for Fort Worth Great Strides 2026
Elijah Coggin
You may already know that cystic fibrosis is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, and other vital organs. That it makes it difficult to breathe and fight life-threatening infections, often leading to extensive lung damage and respiratory failure.
You may already know that many advances have been made, improving not only quality of life for those with CF, but adding years to the average life expectancy.
You may already know Ava's story. She's tough. She's a fighter. She won't let CF slow her down. You see a young lady defined by her character and her talents, not her disease.
But there is also an Ava who is aware of the challenges and uncertainty that come with battling a disease that has no cure. An Ava who, when asked to write a poem about a difficult relationship, chose cystic fibrosis.
Wade through the sludge,
green, yellow, sloughing, stretching,
clinging. Shake and shake but
it won't come off.
Cough it up, spit it out,
yet there's more. Constricts your chest.
Clogs your lungs.
You'll drown in it, sooner or later.
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.
You may already know that many advances have been made, improving not only quality of life for those with CF, but adding years to the average life expectancy.
You may already know Ava's story. She's tough. She's a fighter. She won't let CF slow her down. You see a young lady defined by her character and her talents, not her disease.
But there is also an Ava who is aware of the challenges and uncertainty that come with battling a disease that has no cure. An Ava who, when asked to write a poem about a difficult relationship, chose cystic fibrosis.
Quagmire
by Ava Coggin
by Ava Coggin
Wade through the sludge,
green, yellow, sloughing, stretching,
clinging. Shake and shake but
it won't come off.
Cough it up, spit it out,
yet there's more. Constricts your chest.
Clogs your lungs.
You'll drown in it, sooner or later.
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.
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