Cystic Fibrosis, Running and me
Steven Krueger
Fundraising for BMW Berlin Marathon
Steven Krueger
I quit smoking in November of 2008. I had never heard of cystic fibrosis.
Six months later, in spring of 2009, I was walking our dog and thought it might be fun to see how my body would react to a bit of running. I didn’t like it, but I didn’t stop trying either, and I eventually found myself running for the joy of it.
In 2013 I ran my first half marathon. In 2014 my first marathon. I told my wife I'd never do that again, but in 2015 I set a new PR. I ran the Chicago Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, marathons all over the State of Wisconsin and all across the US. My lungs felt great and my body loved running. I had no idea what cystic fibrosis was.
Then my daughter started seeing someone new at college, someone she really liked and with whom she saw a future. She told me he was living with a very rare disease called cystic fibrosis. When he started showing up at family gatherings, I understood what my daughter saw in him. As I started getting to know him, I began to learn about cystic fibrosis and the meaning behind his “Just Breathe” tattoo.
I learned that cystic fibrosis 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. I learned that there is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young.
When my daughter’s boyfriend proposed, my heart filled with joy for them both. Now I have a son-in-law who lives with cystic fibrosis, and with the aid of medical science, I may someday have grandchildren who will inherit a genetic risk of the disease. While advancements in treatment are having a huge impact on my son-in-law’s ability to live with and manage his disease, cystic fibrosis is now a part of my family.
Running for Team Breathe gives me an opportunity to help improve the lives and outcomes of all those afflicted with the disease. Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress is being made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. A cure is needed so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.
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.
Six months later, in spring of 2009, I was walking our dog and thought it might be fun to see how my body would react to a bit of running. I didn’t like it, but I didn’t stop trying either, and I eventually found myself running for the joy of it.
In 2013 I ran my first half marathon. In 2014 my first marathon. I told my wife I'd never do that again, but in 2015 I set a new PR. I ran the Chicago Marathon, the Marine Corps Marathon, marathons all over the State of Wisconsin and all across the US. My lungs felt great and my body loved running. I had no idea what cystic fibrosis was.
Then my daughter started seeing someone new at college, someone she really liked and with whom she saw a future. She told me he was living with a very rare disease called cystic fibrosis. When he started showing up at family gatherings, I understood what my daughter saw in him. As I started getting to know him, I began to learn about cystic fibrosis and the meaning behind his “Just Breathe” tattoo.
I learned that cystic fibrosis 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. I learned that there is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young.
When my daughter’s boyfriend proposed, my heart filled with joy for them both. Now I have a son-in-law who lives with cystic fibrosis, and with the aid of medical science, I may someday have grandchildren who will inherit a genetic risk of the disease. While advancements in treatment are having a huge impact on my son-in-law’s ability to live with and manage his disease, cystic fibrosis is now a part of my family.
Running for Team Breathe gives me an opportunity to help improve the lives and outcomes of all those afflicted with the disease. Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently. While progress is being made, a long road lies ahead for far too many people fighting this terrible disease. A cure is needed so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.
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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