Hi everyone! I'm Shawnee, aka Harper's mom. Harper will be 3 in July! She was born four weeks early on July 20, 2023, weighing 5 lbs 12 oz and measuring 19 inches long.

From her 20-week anatomy scan, we knew something wasn't quite right-every scan showed "echogenic bowels." Both her dad and I tested positive as CF carriers, meaning she had a 25% chance of inheriting cystic fibrosis (CF). We remained hopeful that she wouldn't have it, but unfortunately, she did.

Just 12 hours after birth, our little girl was taken to the NICU for low glucose. Soon after, she developed a distended stomach. The decision was made to transfer her to Children's Hospital. This was a tough choice since I was still recovering from my c-section and wasn't due to be discharged for another day.

At the hospital, we learned she had a blockage in her intestines called Meconium Ileus. The surgical team decided to try barium enemas instead of surgery. After three days of high radiation and barium treatments, the blockage began to break up. Harper spent 14 long days in the NICU, during which we also received the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. While we were scared, it was also a relief to know we could start her treatment sooner rather than later.

Fast forward to today-Harper has been on Trikafta for six months, along with her lifelong medications: Creon, CF vitamins, famotidine, and her inhaler. Her weight gain is slow but steady, and she continues to grow stronger every day. She has so much personality, loves her family, and absolutely adores horses.

This is our third year participating in Great Strides. Last year, Harper had the honor of being a CF ambassador, and we are excited to continue raising awareness and funds for this cause that impacts so many lives.

Currently, there is no cure for cystic fibrosis. But by participating in Great Strides, I'm helping bring us one step closer to ending this disease for the thousands of people affected by CF. CF affects the lungs, pancreas, and other organs, and as people with CF live longer, the disease often becomes more complicated, leading to severe health issues.

Thanks to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, remarkable progress has been made, including the development of over a dozen CF treatments. However, these treatments are not a cure, and not everyone benefits from them. That's why we have to keep pushing forward.

Your support makes a difference. By donating to my fundraising goal, you're helping advance the mission for a cure for all. Please join us in this fight and help make CF stand for "Cure Found."