Edit in profile section

Our Great Strides Story

Colleen Medernach

Fundraising for New Canaan Great Strides

Donate

Colleen Medernach

At just 8 days old, Austin and I received a phone call no parent ever wants or expects..Harper’s newborn screening results showed Cystic Fibrosis - we will never forget that phone call. The next weeks were a whirlwind, that next day we were at Harper’s first of many appointments at her CF clinic getting confirmation of our biggest fear. How could this be? It has to be a mistake. Can we test again? What’s going to happen? What exactly is Cystic Fibrosis? So many things were running through our heads. We were beginning a journey we had no idea we were going to be a part of but we couldn’t ask for a better tour guide to teach us and take us on this journey - you ask Harper what she has and she will tell you Cystic Fibrosis! (or "65 roses", look up the story =p). Harper is absolutely amazing and a true warrior - she astounds us and brings us so much joy, she already has so much to offer and LOVES being a big sister and almost Kindergartener!! We are going to fight in every way we can to get our amazing warrior the healthiest, longest, happiest life possible! There are no words for Austin and I to describe how thankful we are for all the love and support we have received along our journey so far - some days are extremely tough and some days we almost forget how we are "different" but knowing Harper has so many of her heroes fighting with us, brings us so much hope. 

Because of events like this and fundraising - Harper has life changing medication in her medication protocol and on her horizon for Cystic Fibrosis! From acquaintances years ago to close family and friends - every message, every donation since starting our team and this fight for Harper in 2020 - has meant so much to us. We hope you will join Harper's many heroes and continue the fight to help our beautiful Harper, CF research and the CF community - thank you from the bottom of our hearts!

Thank you,
Colleen and Austin



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.

Comments

$2,510
raised of $2,500 goal
 

Achievements

Leader

Team Harper’s Heroes

$2,600
$3,000

Recent Donations

Attendance Policy

The CF Foundation is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and healthy experience for individuals attending Foundation Events. Individuals attending CF Foundation events must abide by the Foundation's Attendance Policy and accompanying guidelines, which include guidance for event attendee's living with cystic fibrosis.