My Great Strides Story
Seaira Fortune
Fundraising for Charleston, WV Great Strides 2026
Seaira Fortune
I had my daughter on January 2, 2026, and she was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis on January 15, 2026. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a chronic, inherited genetic disorder that causes the body to produce thick, sticky mucus, severely damaging the lungs, digestive system, and other organs. It is caused by a defective gene that disrupts normal cell function, leading to frequent infections, breathing difficulties, and poor nutrient absorption. While there is no cure, treatments have significantly improved life expectancy.
When I was pregnant, I had genetic testing done and found out I was a carrier of the CF gene. To have cystic fibrosis, a person must inherit two copies of the gene—one from the mother and one from the father. Later, my husband was tested, and we found out he is also a carrier. This meant our daughter had a 25% chance of inheriting CF.
During my second trimester, doctors noticed during ultrasounds that her bowels did not look normal. They suspected she had CF but needed to confirm the diagnosis with a blood test after she was born. On January 15th, my husband and I were sitting on the couch while I was holding our daughter when we received the call.
At her first CF appointment, we both cried the entire visit. Confirming the diagnosis and hearing the doctors tell us that our daughter was sick was extremely overwhelming and heartbreaking. Although the doctors had told us during my pregnancy that she likely had CF, they still needed to complete a blood test, and we were hoping they would be wrong.
Our daughter has the Delta F508 mutation, which is the most common cystic fibrosis mutation. It is considered a severe, high-risk mutation and affects over 70% of individuals with CF worldwide. She is currently thriving and doing amazing—meeting all her milestones and growing well.
We are sharing her story to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis—the reality of this disease, the strength of those who live with it, and the importance of early diagnosis, research, and continued advancements in treatment. CF may be part of her story, but it does not define her. She is strong, resilient, and deeply loved.
When I was pregnant, I had genetic testing done and found out I was a carrier of the CF gene. To have cystic fibrosis, a person must inherit two copies of the gene—one from the mother and one from the father. Later, my husband was tested, and we found out he is also a carrier. This meant our daughter had a 25% chance of inheriting CF.
During my second trimester, doctors noticed during ultrasounds that her bowels did not look normal. They suspected she had CF but needed to confirm the diagnosis with a blood test after she was born. On January 15th, my husband and I were sitting on the couch while I was holding our daughter when we received the call.
At her first CF appointment, we both cried the entire visit. Confirming the diagnosis and hearing the doctors tell us that our daughter was sick was extremely overwhelming and heartbreaking. Although the doctors had told us during my pregnancy that she likely had CF, they still needed to complete a blood test, and we were hoping they would be wrong.
Our daughter has the Delta F508 mutation, which is the most common cystic fibrosis mutation. It is considered a severe, high-risk mutation and affects over 70% of individuals with CF worldwide. She is currently thriving and doing amazing—meeting all her milestones and growing well.
We are sharing her story to raise awareness about cystic fibrosis—the reality of this disease, the strength of those who live with it, and the importance of early diagnosis, research, and continued advancements in treatment. CF may be part of her story, but it does not define her. She is strong, resilient, and deeply loved.
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