My Great Strides Story
Samuel Joseph
Fundraising for Tampa Bay Great Strides
Samuel Joseph
Our Story
In 1990, Melissa, Joshua, and I were blessed with the birth of our youngest son and Josh’s baby brother, Aaron. All seemed perfect at first, but within three months our baby was hospitalized due anemia and malnutrition. In spite of many tests, the physicians were mystified as to the underlying cause, until Melissa made an offhand comment to the doctor about her ‘little salt lick’.
Why we Stride
Thirty five years ago, the first line of cystic fibrosis screening was a skin salinity test. That is how we discovered CF. We learned it is a genetic condition that affects tens of thousands of people. Historically, this was considered a childhood disease because life expectancies were about 18 in the 70s. But, due in great part to the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, survival has improved well into adulthood, such that today, there are more adults living with CF than children. The CFF led and funded the remarkable transformation in treatment and care, particularly impactful is the development of CFTR modulator therapies.
We personally witnessed the impact of this work, and have also been very supportive of financially supporting the foundation. One tradition we’ve embraced is participating (and even in some years leading) the local Great Strides event for CFF.
I ask that you join us this year in our 33th Great Strides team by joining our team, or sponsoring one of our walkers. Gratefully and humbly, Sam.
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m walking to help change that reality.
About Cystic Fibrosis
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.
In 1990, Melissa, Joshua, and I were blessed with the birth of our youngest son and Josh’s baby brother, Aaron. All seemed perfect at first, but within three months our baby was hospitalized due anemia and malnutrition. In spite of many tests, the physicians were mystified as to the underlying cause, until Melissa made an offhand comment to the doctor about her ‘little salt lick’.
Why we Stride
Thirty five years ago, the first line of cystic fibrosis screening was a skin salinity test. That is how we discovered CF. We learned it is a genetic condition that affects tens of thousands of people. Historically, this was considered a childhood disease because life expectancies were about 18 in the 70s. But, due in great part to the work of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, survival has improved well into adulthood, such that today, there are more adults living with CF than children. The CFF led and funded the remarkable transformation in treatment and care, particularly impactful is the development of CFTR modulator therapies.
We personally witnessed the impact of this work, and have also been very supportive of financially supporting the foundation. One tradition we’ve embraced is participating (and even in some years leading) the local Great Strides event for CFF.
I ask that you join us this year in our 33th Great Strides team by joining our team, or sponsoring one of our walkers. Gratefully and humbly, Sam.
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m walking to help change that reality.
About Cystic Fibrosis
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.
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