My Great Strides Story
Kimberly Ruggiero
Fundraising for Avon Great Strides 2026
Kimberly Ruggiero
As many of you know, and for those that do not, 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.
Junior is now in 6th grade and is currently managing his disease. As mentioned previously, he did go on the new medication Trikafta (which has significantly helped many slow the progression of the disease), however, Junior's liver was not able to handle it and was negatively being impacted. He therefore had to stop taking it over a year and half ago. To this day he has not had any medical improving drugs and has been continuing with his normal daily treatments and medications. And sadly he is still not eating and continues his high calorie drinks.
The good news is we were just informed he is going to begin taking a new drug called Afletrec which is a modulator medication similar to Trikafta. This medication also has liver implications so pulmonary has changed his liver medication called Ursidol. They also increased his enzymes, We are very encouraged by this and are praying this medication will be tolerated and not damage his liver any more.
From a personal perspective, Junior is very active in AAU basketball which he absolutely loves. He practices multiple times a week and has games on Friday evenings and travels on the weekends to tournaments. This sport and the activity is excellent for him and his disease.
We understand these are very difficult times today, so appreciate prayers, and if possible, any donations made in his honor to the CF Foundation. Lots of Love!!!!
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.
Junior is now in 6th grade and is currently managing his disease. As mentioned previously, he did go on the new medication Trikafta (which has significantly helped many slow the progression of the disease), however, Junior's liver was not able to handle it and was negatively being impacted. He therefore had to stop taking it over a year and half ago. To this day he has not had any medical improving drugs and has been continuing with his normal daily treatments and medications. And sadly he is still not eating and continues his high calorie drinks.
The good news is we were just informed he is going to begin taking a new drug called Afletrec which is a modulator medication similar to Trikafta. This medication also has liver implications so pulmonary has changed his liver medication called Ursidol. They also increased his enzymes, We are very encouraged by this and are praying this medication will be tolerated and not damage his liver any more.
From a personal perspective, Junior is very active in AAU basketball which he absolutely loves. He practices multiple times a week and has games on Friday evenings and travels on the weekends to tournaments. This sport and the activity is excellent for him and his disease.
We understand these are very difficult times today, so appreciate prayers, and if possible, any donations made in his honor to the CF Foundation. Lots of Love!!!!
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