My Unique Breathe Team Story
Claire Donnelly
Fundraising for 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Claire Donnelly
When I was 6 months old, I was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis (CF). CF is a genetic disease that impacts 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.
Having CF is something I can not control but with perseverance and determination, I can prioritize my health and control how I manage having CF. Exercise is one of those controllable factors and a very important aspect of how I have lived 40+ years with the disease. I grew up swimming and playing soccer but in college, I fell in love with running. Lacing up my running shoes and hitting the pavement is a challenging yet rewarding passion and I am grateful for the ability to do it! I started running half marathons (16 total) then full marathons (4 total), while crossing finish lines that once seemed impossible {but praise God all things are possible!}. There is irony in the ability to run while living with CF but I continue to defy the odds!! My latest goal is to run the Chicago 2026 Marathon because it combines two dreams - running in my first World Major Marathon and representing the CF foundation, which is near and dear to my heart (or should I say lungs? ha!).
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 disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.
Will you help end cystic fibrosis?
By donating to my fundraising goal, you are helping to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF.
AND you have a part in the journey of helping me cross the Chicago Marathon finish line!
THANK YOU for your support!!! 🫶🏼
Claire Donnelly
Having CF is something I can not control but with perseverance and determination, I can prioritize my health and control how I manage having CF. Exercise is one of those controllable factors and a very important aspect of how I have lived 40+ years with the disease. I grew up swimming and playing soccer but in college, I fell in love with running. Lacing up my running shoes and hitting the pavement is a challenging yet rewarding passion and I am grateful for the ability to do it! I started running half marathons (16 total) then full marathons (4 total), while crossing finish lines that once seemed impossible {but praise God all things are possible!}. There is irony in the ability to run while living with CF but I continue to defy the odds!! My latest goal is to run the Chicago 2026 Marathon because it combines two dreams - running in my first World Major Marathon and representing the CF foundation, which is near and dear to my heart (or should I say lungs? ha!).
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 disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.
Will you help end cystic fibrosis?
By donating to my fundraising goal, you are helping to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF.
AND you have a part in the journey of helping me cross the Chicago Marathon finish line!
THANK YOU for your support!!! 🫶🏼
Claire Donnelly
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