Love, Growth, and Hope

Three years ago today, we received life-changing news just before meeting our joyful and fierce daughter, Brooke. Time truly flies when you're raising a toddler!

Brooke lives with cystic fibrosis, but to meet her, you'd never know it. She's thriving- chatting in full paragraphs, caring for her dolls like a true big sister in training, tumbling through gymnastics classes, and schooling us on life with lessons she's picked up from loved ones (including, of course, Daniel Tiger).

She doesn't need daily breathing treatments or daily physical therapy, has outgrown almost all her food allergies, and rarely ever even gets the sniffles or a cold. She takes her digestive enzymes before every meal- often reminding us that it's time. Though she continues to struggle with growth, she amazes us with her strength, self-awareness, and spirit!

We're incredibly grateful for her health-but we also know CF is a progressive disease.

The reality is that not every child with CF has Brooke's experience. Many still face grueling treatments and difficult days. Even Brooke recently started a new breakthrough medication- the closest thing to a cure CF families have ever seen. It comes with a hefty price tag, some scary side effects, and isn't a one-size-fits-all solution (thank God for great insurance!). Not everyone with CF is eligible. Not everyone has access.

That's why we still fundraise.

We know some people may expect less urgency year after year as Brooke continues to shine, but our fight is far from over. The CF Foundation and its supporters have already helped raise the life expectancy from the mid-30s to the mid-50s in a matter of years. That's because of continued donations, relentless science, and the unwavering support of people like you.

So we keep showing up. For Brooke. For the children and adults still waiting for better options. For the dream of a cure for everyone.

This year's walk will be on June 8th at Fort Tabor. While we may be a bit sleep-deprived with a brand-new baby in tow, we plan to be there- spirits high, hearts full, and surrounded by a team that's just as dedicated to this ongoing cause as ever.

Thank you for standing with us. Always.

Love,
The Rafferty Fam