David and I met in college at Jacksonville State University. On our second date, he told me something most people would never bring up so early in a relationship.

David has cystic fibrosis.

He explained that he had been diagnosed as a baby and that doctors had told his parents he likely wouldn’t live long. At the time, he also believed he would never be able to have children. It wasn’t exactly normal second-date conversation, but David wanted me to understand the reality of his life before our relationship went any further.

Nine months later, David proposed.

Before he asked me to marry him, he did what a good man does — he talked to my parents first. I remember having a long conversation with my mom. She wanted to make sure I understood what life with cystic fibrosis could mean. We knew our marriage might not look like most others. There would likely be hospital visits, daily treatments, and the constant uncertainty that comes with a life-shortening disease.

There was also the very real possibility that our time together could be short.

I remember telling her something I still believe today: however much time God gave us together — even if it were only one year — it would be worth it.

This year David will turn 50 years old, something doctors once thought was impossible. We will also celebrate 25 years of marriage.

But cystic fibrosis is still part of our everyday life. David spends 4–5 hours every day doing breathing treatments and therapies, takes dozens of medications, and manages CF-related diabetes.

The reason David is here today is because of God’s goodness, research, advocacy, and the generosity of people who care.

That’s why I continue to advocate and raise funds for cystic fibrosis research. Every donation helps move us closer to better treatments — and ultimately a cure.

Will you help us keep stories like David’s possible?

Whether it’s $10, $25, or more, every donation supports cystic fibrosis research and advocacy that helps people with CF live longer, healthier lives. Your support truly makes a difference for families like ours.