My Great Strides Story
Sarah Christensen
Fundraising for Seattle Great Strides 2026
Sarah Christensen
We've had amazing advancements in the last decade in the treatment options for people with CF. But, despite these positive steps forward, there is STILL no cure for Cystic Fibrosis. The new medications that have added extra years and much needed hope for many that suffer from being born with CF are not a cure. We will continue FIGHTING UNTIL a CURE is FOUND...for Ozzy and all the others.
CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, liver and other many other 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, we must not lose traction and ambition to provide an even better solution to those suffering. Even with the new medications that cost upwards of 400,000 a year CF can and will still remind everyone that it is still there, lurking in the shadows.
Ozzy has fought the CF battle for his entire life and he's done it without complaint and with true grace. For him, I ask each of you that reads this to PLEASE show up...whether that means to be at the walk or donate a few bucks or go on your own walk the same day and send us a picture. Not only is Ozzy an awesome human but many may not realize that he has been donating his own health, time, and body to CF research since he was 14 years old. Ozzy has participated in 3 major clinical trials that have driven the treatment and science in a forward direction in some VERY significant ways. He's done this without knowing what effects it could have on his body and health. Not only in pure hopefulness but also selflessly for the better of the CF community and other patients. It has not been without payment of blood, suffering, allergic reactions, kidney damage, insomnia, additional hospital stays and COUNTLESS, COUNTLESS HOURS. I give him so much credit for his contributions to science. Obviously we are trying to raise money for much needed research (SAME FUNDRAISING EFFORTS THAT MADE THE CURRENT DRUGS AVAILABLE BTW) but that doesn't mean to donate if it will put you out in any way. We know times are tough and hate to ask anyone to spend money that will cause stress in any way. BUT, a quick message or a handmade sign, or a walk in your own town on the same day in solidarity TRULY goes a long way. Having a life threatening illness that you try not to let affect your daily life is a daunting task for any person, so I hope on this one day in May we can show up and say..."we're here for you"! To Ozzy and to the entire CF population.
If you do choose to donate to my fundraising goal, it is GREATLY APPRECIATED. We couldn't do it without you.
CF is a genetic, life-shortening disease that devastates the lungs, pancreas, liver and other many other 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, we must not lose traction and ambition to provide an even better solution to those suffering. Even with the new medications that cost upwards of 400,000 a year CF can and will still remind everyone that it is still there, lurking in the shadows.
Ozzy has fought the CF battle for his entire life and he's done it without complaint and with true grace. For him, I ask each of you that reads this to PLEASE show up...whether that means to be at the walk or donate a few bucks or go on your own walk the same day and send us a picture. Not only is Ozzy an awesome human but many may not realize that he has been donating his own health, time, and body to CF research since he was 14 years old. Ozzy has participated in 3 major clinical trials that have driven the treatment and science in a forward direction in some VERY significant ways. He's done this without knowing what effects it could have on his body and health. Not only in pure hopefulness but also selflessly for the better of the CF community and other patients. It has not been without payment of blood, suffering, allergic reactions, kidney damage, insomnia, additional hospital stays and COUNTLESS, COUNTLESS HOURS. I give him so much credit for his contributions to science. Obviously we are trying to raise money for much needed research (SAME FUNDRAISING EFFORTS THAT MADE THE CURRENT DRUGS AVAILABLE BTW) but that doesn't mean to donate if it will put you out in any way. We know times are tough and hate to ask anyone to spend money that will cause stress in any way. BUT, a quick message or a handmade sign, or a walk in your own town on the same day in solidarity TRULY goes a long way. Having a life threatening illness that you try not to let affect your daily life is a daunting task for any person, so I hope on this one day in May we can show up and say..."we're here for you"! To Ozzy and to the entire CF population.
If you do choose to donate to my fundraising goal, it is GREATLY APPRECIATED. We couldn't do it without you.
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