My Great Strides Story
Joannie Dugandzic
Fundraising for Milwaukee Great Strides 2026
Joannie Dugandzic
I will never forget the call from my eldest son Tommy and daughter-in-law Mikayla,"Mom, we are on our way to a clinic in Green Bay. Our pediatrician said Dutton's newborn screening came back positive for cystic fibrosis. Mom, what is that? I've never heard of it and we were told not to go onto the Internet or Google just wait to talk to the CF medical team.
My stomach dropped , my heart sank. I felt so helpless. As a parent, hearing your child distraught, hurt and scared was devastating. As a grandparent all I could ask is why, why this beautiful baby boy.
This February; my youngest son Nick and my daughter-in-law Grace, welcomed their first child Emerson (Emmy) into this world.
A week later, Nick informed us that Emmy was also diagnosed with CF.
Tommy and Nick both having children with CF is extremely rare.
As a parent and a grandparent, my heart and soul was torn apart. This disease can cause both children with CF to get each other sick by passing on bacteria amongst each other. My biggest fear is not having my family together. It is beyond heart wrenching.
I know God has his reason and I have to have faith that he has a great plan for Dutton and Emmy and all children who suffer from this disease. Please help support us by donating to the CF foundation so we can find a cure.
Thank you & God bless....
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