My Great Strides Story
Kathleen Hamlett
Fundraising for Frederick Great Strides 2026
Kathleen Hamlett
29232 Mayesville Way
Millsboro, DE 19966
May 7, 2026
Dear Family and Friends,
It’s that time of year again when our family and friends join Colleen’s Crew to participate in the Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis at Baker Walk in Frederick on Sunday, May 17. This will be our 30th year taking on this fundraising event. As most of you know, our niece Colleen was diagnosed as a newborn with this disease. Can you believe she will be 30 this year? In 1996, most CF patients were barely reaching that age, and I am so excited to report that the survival age is reaching 65 and beyond due to the advancements in medications, transplants and more. The term cited consistently in the research information I receive is gene editing therapy. It involves modifying DNA with a high degree of precision, treating several diseases including CF. The CF Foundation feel this is the best hope for finding a cure. Your donations over the past 30 years have provided these successful advancements, with over 90% of the funds raised going toward CF research.
And that’s why we walk every year. Colleen continues to respond positively to Trikafta, the medication that has changed the lives of many CF patients. That could change over time, but they have found other medications that help CF patients with different mutations. The number of lung transplants and necessity of IV antibiotics for CF patients has decreased drastically. She continues to live and work in New Jersey. Colleen, her sisters, and her dad have given her mom the best of care as she has faced serious health problems. Colleen is so dear, especially in her role as Aunt Coco to her two nephews.
I hope you will consider donating this year. You can make it here online or mail to me at the address above. Our family is so appreciative for your continued financial and prayerful support over these 30 years.
Gratefully,
Kathy
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m walking to help change that reality.
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.
Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.
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.
Millsboro, DE 19966
May 7, 2026
Dear Family and Friends,
It’s that time of year again when our family and friends join Colleen’s Crew to participate in the Great Strides Walk for Cystic Fibrosis at Baker Walk in Frederick on Sunday, May 17. This will be our 30th year taking on this fundraising event. As most of you know, our niece Colleen was diagnosed as a newborn with this disease. Can you believe she will be 30 this year? In 1996, most CF patients were barely reaching that age, and I am so excited to report that the survival age is reaching 65 and beyond due to the advancements in medications, transplants and more. The term cited consistently in the research information I receive is gene editing therapy. It involves modifying DNA with a high degree of precision, treating several diseases including CF. The CF Foundation feel this is the best hope for finding a cure. Your donations over the past 30 years have provided these successful advancements, with over 90% of the funds raised going toward CF research.
And that’s why we walk every year. Colleen continues to respond positively to Trikafta, the medication that has changed the lives of many CF patients. That could change over time, but they have found other medications that help CF patients with different mutations. The number of lung transplants and necessity of IV antibiotics for CF patients has decreased drastically. She continues to live and work in New Jersey. Colleen, her sisters, and her dad have given her mom the best of care as she has faced serious health problems. Colleen is so dear, especially in her role as Aunt Coco to her two nephews.
I hope you will consider donating this year. You can make it here online or mail to me at the address above. Our family is so appreciative for your continued financial and prayerful support over these 30 years.
Gratefully,
Kathy
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m walking to help change that reality.
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.
Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress has been made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.
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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