My Breathe Team Story
Peter Freye
Fundraising for 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Peter Freye
The Mission:
My name is Peter Freye and I will be running the 2026 Chicago Marathon on October 11th for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. While I am so unbelievably blessed to be able to participate in an event as powerful as the Chicago Marathon, I recognize that many others are not.
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and so many lives are affected every single day. CF 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’m running to help change that reality. Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently, but together we can make CF stand for cure found.
A little more about me:
I am a huge sports fan (packers, badgers, brewers, etc.), love to golf, spend time at the lake, try new restaurants with my girlfriend, listen to music (always open to any music suggestions), go to comedy shows and always enjoy a good happy hour.
I currently live in Chicago and have never considered myself as much of a runner. This will be my first marathon and I know this event will push me out of my comfort zone. However I am excited about that as I like to live by the motto of get comfortable being uncomfortable.
With that, I don't often share that I am a person living with cystic fibrosis. My journey started when I was very young as my loving parents realized I was not as cool as my older sister, but rather had some issues shortly after birth. After many appointments trying to figure out what exactly was wrong with me, I was diagnosed with non-classic cystic fibrosis.
As a young kid, I never really processed what was going on with my body. I was just excited when I got to have a cookie the size of my head after I left the doctors office every few months. In all seriousness, as I got older I realized how lucky I was to be able to breath semi normally while still play sports, hangout with friends and enjoy the little things in life all with cystic fibrosis metabolic syndrome.
After growing up and playing sports throughout high school, I decided to attend the University of Madison-Wisconsin where I studied Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Operations and Technology Management. During my junior year of college, I went for a regular CF appointment and failed a sweat test. This was a major shock to me and quite frankly a low point in my life as this is when I diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
From this point on, I was able to meet my new care team, do some more testing, start a new medication, and develop a plan on what the best treatment was. Adjusting to this new style of life took some getting used to, but I was breathing, I was walking, smiling, laughing, working out, and enjoying every second of my life. Reflecting on this point in my life, I am so grateful for the wake up call to make sure I fully appreciate all the blessings I have in my life.
How you can help find a cure:
Fundraising for cystic fibrosis research is one of the best ways to make a positive impact on others who are affected by this condition. Whether you are able to donate or not, I appreciate you taking the time to hear about cystic fibrosis.
Any donation is appreciated no matter how big or small. If you would like to find another way to contribute to this great cause, please reach out to me and I would be happy to connect.
Thank you for your time and thank you for your kindness. I want to help make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
My name is Peter Freye and I will be running the 2026 Chicago Marathon on October 11th for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. While I am so unbelievably blessed to be able to participate in an event as powerful as the Chicago Marathon, I recognize that many others are not.
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and so many lives are affected every single day. CF 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’m running to help change that reality. Every person born with cystic fibrosis is on a unique journey and experiences this challenging disease differently, but together we can make CF stand for cure found.
A little more about me:
I am a huge sports fan (packers, badgers, brewers, etc.), love to golf, spend time at the lake, try new restaurants with my girlfriend, listen to music (always open to any music suggestions), go to comedy shows and always enjoy a good happy hour.
I currently live in Chicago and have never considered myself as much of a runner. This will be my first marathon and I know this event will push me out of my comfort zone. However I am excited about that as I like to live by the motto of get comfortable being uncomfortable.
With that, I don't often share that I am a person living with cystic fibrosis. My journey started when I was very young as my loving parents realized I was not as cool as my older sister, but rather had some issues shortly after birth. After many appointments trying to figure out what exactly was wrong with me, I was diagnosed with non-classic cystic fibrosis.
As a young kid, I never really processed what was going on with my body. I was just excited when I got to have a cookie the size of my head after I left the doctors office every few months. In all seriousness, as I got older I realized how lucky I was to be able to breath semi normally while still play sports, hangout with friends and enjoy the little things in life all with cystic fibrosis metabolic syndrome.
After growing up and playing sports throughout high school, I decided to attend the University of Madison-Wisconsin where I studied Supply Chain Management, Marketing, Operations and Technology Management. During my junior year of college, I went for a regular CF appointment and failed a sweat test. This was a major shock to me and quite frankly a low point in my life as this is when I diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis.
From this point on, I was able to meet my new care team, do some more testing, start a new medication, and develop a plan on what the best treatment was. Adjusting to this new style of life took some getting used to, but I was breathing, I was walking, smiling, laughing, working out, and enjoying every second of my life. Reflecting on this point in my life, I am so grateful for the wake up call to make sure I fully appreciate all the blessings I have in my life.
How you can help find a cure:
Fundraising for cystic fibrosis research is one of the best ways to make a positive impact on others who are affected by this condition. Whether you are able to donate or not, I appreciate you taking the time to hear about cystic fibrosis.
Any donation is appreciated no matter how big or small. If you would like to find another way to contribute to this great cause, please reach out to me and I would be happy to connect.
Thank you for your time and thank you for your kindness. I want to help make the world a better place, one act of kindness at a time.
MAR
22
22
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