My Breathe Team Story
Emma Bonilla
Fundraising for 2026 Bank of America Chicago Marathon
Emma Bonilla
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I’m running to help change that reality so that my son and others with CF can live longer, healthier lives.
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.
Our son Raul was diagnosed with CF at two weeks old. Starting at two weeks old, he was taking pancreatic enzymes at every bottle (and eventually every snack and meal), doing twice (sometimes 3x) daily 30 minute breathing treatments, had countless doctors appointments that include blood draws, respiratory cultures, sweat tests and more, and is in phase 2 of a 24-96 week long clinical trial. He does this all with a smile on his face. He does hard things every day and is an inspiration.
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 terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.
Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?
By donating to my fundraising goal, you have the power to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF including our son Raul.
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.
Our son Raul was diagnosed with CF at two weeks old. Starting at two weeks old, he was taking pancreatic enzymes at every bottle (and eventually every snack and meal), doing twice (sometimes 3x) daily 30 minute breathing treatments, had countless doctors appointments that include blood draws, respiratory cultures, sweat tests and more, and is in phase 2 of a 24-96 week long clinical trial. He does this all with a smile on his face. He does hard things every day and is an inspiration.
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 terrible disease. We need a cure so that everyone with CF has a better chance to live a long, healthy life.
Will you help us end cystic fibrosis?
By donating to my fundraising goal, you have the power to advance the research and science needed to drive our shared dream forward – a cure for everyone with CF including our son Raul.
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