My Great Strides Story
Dustin Williams
Fundraising for Minneapolis Great Strides
Dustin Williams
My story starts in the 1980's, as I watched my cousin Michelle battle this disease. After years of fighting a condition that she was born with, her life was tragically cut short in 1995 at the age of 19. Two years later in 1997, at the age of 13 years old, I was diagnosed with the same disease that took Michelle away from me and my family.
Being told at a young age that you have an uncurable disease, one with a life expectancy of mid 30's forces you to grow up quicky. Like Michelle I've waged my own battle with the disease, but unlike my cousin, I've been fortunate of having less severe health complications and the gift of staying relatively healthy. Motivated by that life expectancy number, I wore a chip on my shoulder each day and was determined to not let my diagnosis define who I am. It was my mission to outlive that number by not years, but by decades.
Fast forward to present day where at 41 years of age I continue managing my disease with the hope that we will come up with cure for those fighting on and to prevent future generations from enduring long hospital visits and shorten life.
Whether you live locally in the Twin Cities or are a remote colleague, I ask for your support in helping us find a cure for those fighting CF and rid us of this awful disease for future generations. I will be walking in memory of my cousin Michelle, my colleague Johnny Arias' sister Suley and for Johnny’s children Ashley & Jacob. I would love to have more join me in Minneapolis on Saturday, May 3rd! If you can’t make it in person but would like to support Team Best Buy (with J&A's Angels) I included my fundraiser link below. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you.
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m walking in memory of Michelle (Shelly) Todd and Suley Arias, as well as my colleague Johnny Arias who has two children battling their fight with CF.
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.
Being told at a young age that you have an uncurable disease, one with a life expectancy of mid 30's forces you to grow up quicky. Like Michelle I've waged my own battle with the disease, but unlike my cousin, I've been fortunate of having less severe health complications and the gift of staying relatively healthy. Motivated by that life expectancy number, I wore a chip on my shoulder each day and was determined to not let my diagnosis define who I am. It was my mission to outlive that number by not years, but by decades.
Fast forward to present day where at 41 years of age I continue managing my disease with the hope that we will come up with cure for those fighting on and to prevent future generations from enduring long hospital visits and shorten life.
Whether you live locally in the Twin Cities or are a remote colleague, I ask for your support in helping us find a cure for those fighting CF and rid us of this awful disease for future generations. I will be walking in memory of my cousin Michelle, my colleague Johnny Arias' sister Suley and for Johnny’s children Ashley & Jacob. I would love to have more join me in Minneapolis on Saturday, May 3rd! If you can’t make it in person but would like to support Team Best Buy (with J&A's Angels) I included my fundraiser link below. Thank you for allowing me to share my story with you.
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m walking in memory of Michelle (Shelly) Todd and Suley Arias, as well as my colleague Johnny Arias who has two children battling their fight with CF.
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.
Comments