Two of our grandsons, Jackson Fanaro and Anthony Bailey were born with Cystic Fibrosis (CF), the #1, fatal, genetic disease in the world. Over 30,000 children and adults in the U.S, and over 70,000 people worldwide are affected by this devastating illness. It is estimated that more than 10 million Americans are symptom-less carriers of the defective CF gene, and may never know it until a child of theirs is born with CF.

Because CF mainly affects the respiratory and digestive system, simple things such as breathing and absorbing nutrition become more difficult with each passing year. CF patients take numerous medications daily. Because their pancreas does not function properly (or often not at all) in order to help maintain food absorption and weight, medication has to be taken every time they eat. Inhalers are used daily to help keep airways open, and a vibrating vest is to be used at least twice a day to help free lungs of mucus build-up. The daily routine for a CF patient is very costly and time-consuming, but a necessity for survival. In 1955 when the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF) was established, most CF patients did not live long enough to attend school. Now thanks to research supported by the CFF many are living well into adulthood. Jackson and Anthony are both adults now, working full-time jobs and staying healthy & happy! While we are so grateful and thankful our boys are doing so well, we worry about their future every single day. This disease is devastating physically, emotionally and financially. Real progress has been made, but there is still no cure. So many lives have been cut far too short. That is why we are asking for your help.

Our “Cousins Crusade” team is again asking for your support in the annual Cystic Fibrosis Great Strides Walk for a Cure, which will be held this year on May 8, 2025 at 11 in Genesee Valley Park, Rochester, NY. Please click on the link below to join a team and walk the day of the event, or to donate if possible. Whatever you are able to do will be greatly appreciated!

By donating to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation you are helping add tomorrows to every person affected by CF! Hopefully one day very soon, “CF” will stand for “Cure Found”!!

fundraise.cff.org/RochesterNY2025/
 

Please join our family and our “Cousins Crusade” team

in our "Crusade" to find a cure

Together we can make a difference!

Thank you for supporting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the GREAT STRIDES Walk,

Jackson, Anthony and all the families affected by Cystic Fibrosis.