My Great Strides Story
Kristen Burdick
Fundraising for Central Oregon Great Strides 2026
Kristen Burdick
Hi, Friends!
It's that time of year again- Great Strides Walk to Cure Cystic Fibrosis! The event is in mid-May & our team goal is to raise $5,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
My CF journey, like each & every person living with CF, has been unique to me. I spent the majority of my life affected only by periodic hospital stays and the nuisance of living & managing a chronic illness. I honestly felt like one of the lucky ones. Yes, at times I had difficulty breathing. And, at times, I had various cf-related medical issues. And, of course, as I got older the management of my cystic fibrosis became more complicated.
It's that time of year again- Great Strides Walk to Cure Cystic Fibrosis! The event is in mid-May & our team goal is to raise $5,000 for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
My CF journey, like each & every person living with CF, has been unique to me. I spent the majority of my life affected only by periodic hospital stays and the nuisance of living & managing a chronic illness. I honestly felt like one of the lucky ones. Yes, at times I had difficulty breathing. And, at times, I had various cf-related medical issues. And, of course, as I got older the management of my cystic fibrosis became more complicated.
I also recognized, however, that I was fortunate enough to graduate from college, get married, work, recreate when I wanted, get pregnant and travel. I was grateful. BUT, I also had a drive to keep doing what I envisioned for myself because, admittedly, I wondered when I might not be able to.
The turning point in my CF journey began in my early 40s. I had been married for 15+ years. Our daughter was about 8 years old. I was a stay-at-home parent. It was during this time when things seemed to be multiplying: the infections, pulmonary bleeds, hospital stays, pain, doctor's appointments, ER visits, the list goes on. It was also at this time that the thing I feared most began to settle in. It was undeniable, my day-to-day life had become centered around my disease.
The turning point in my CF journey began in my early 40s. I had been married for 15+ years. Our daughter was about 8 years old. I was a stay-at-home parent. It was during this time when things seemed to be multiplying: the infections, pulmonary bleeds, hospital stays, pain, doctor's appointments, ER visits, the list goes on. It was also at this time that the thing I feared most began to settle in. It was undeniable, my day-to-day life had become centered around my disease.
Then, in 2022-2023 I had two significant, life-threatening pulmonary bleeds. The bleeds, compounded by a declining lung function, led to a tough, end-of-life conversation with my pulmonologist. After much thought and many medical appointments, I was listed for a lung transplant.
On February 2, 2024 I received a life-saving double lung transplant! I'm happy to report I recently celebrated two years with my new lungs! I have absolutely been given more time to spend with my friends & family which means more laughs, more fun, more firsts & many more milestones ahead!
Please consider donating to or joining my team. Thank you for always showing up & supporting our family.
Please consider donating to or joining my team. Thank you for always showing up & supporting our family.
With Love & Gratitude,
Kristen Burdick
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