My Great Strides Story
Carol Dotson
Fundraising for Atlanta Great Strides 2026
Carol Dotson
HAPPY 40th BIRTHDAY to DREW!
Please donate to celebrate this huge milestone.
The Great Strides Walk to cure Cystic Fibrosis will be May 16th this year.In my Great Strides letter last year, the big question was “How does one choose between physical health and mental health?” Drew had been struggling with the mental health side effects of the life-changing CF medication, Trikafta. After discussing the issue with her doctor, they decided to discontinue a medication that significantly improved her physical health due to its negative impacts on her mental health and quality of life. As it turns out, many others were experiencing the same side effects as Drew.
Since Drew discontinued use of this medication, new warnings have been added to the prescribing labels of all CFTR modulators, including Kalydeco, Orkambi, Symdeko, Trikafta, and Alyftrek. The new warning labels advise doctors to monitor patients on these medications for serious mental health issues.
While Drew is feeling much better mentally, she has encountered a number of physical health challenges since stopping the medication. She had to go on IV antibiotics last September to help fight off a lung infection. Then, in December, a common cold turned into a serious infection that landed her in the hospital for a week until she was released on Christmas Eve. Despite these setbacks, Drew is confident she made the right decision because, even when sick, she feels so much happier.
We need a solution that works for the entire CF population: A CURE! Although recent developments have been remarkable and life-saving for many, they come with consequences.
The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation continues to fund research to find the cure. Every step brings the cure closer. Once again, I am asking for your help finding a cure to improve the lives of many. Please click the donate button today.
If you prefer to donate by mail, please make
check payable to: Cystic Fibrosis Foundation
mail to: Carol Dotson, 2615 Hawthorne Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30345
Thank you for the continued support!
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