Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a rare, inherited disease caused by mutations in the CFTR gene. This gene controls sodium and chloride channels in the body, and when it doesn’t work properly, it disrupts the balance of salt and water in cells. As a result, thick mucus builds up in the lungs and other organs, leading to breathing problems, infections, and long-term damage. 

Our daughter Ava was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at just 2 weeks old, but if you met her, that’s probably not the first thing you’d notice.

You’d notice how much she loves dragons, bats, raccoons, and unicorns (an elite combination, honestly 🐉🦇🦝🦄). You’d see her ice skating, playing Minecraft, and doing whatever she can to make people laugh.

Behind all of that joy, though, is a little girl who works really hard every single day to keep her lungs as healthy as possible. Ava does breathing treatments twice a day, takes medications, and still gets sick more often than most kids.

We’re walking not just because of cystic fibrosis, but because of Ava, and kids like her who deserve to grow up, follow their passions, and live long, healthy lives.

There’s still no cure for CF, but there is hope. And every donation helps bring us closer to that future.

If you’re able to support or share, it truly means so much to our family.