Walk with our team to Cure Cystic Fibrosis

AJ's Jedi

Fundraising for East Tennessee Great Strides 2026

AJ's Jedi

When Allen was three days old his transverse colon ruptured and on day four he had surgery. After a successful repair, the surgeon let us know that he sent off a genetic panel because he suspected that Allen had cystic fibrosis. These were foreign words to Jared, but unfortunately, I had watched family friends fight this condition and I knew a little bit of what we could be in for. Twelve days after Allen was born we were told that the genetic panel was back and confirmed the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis. We will forever be thankful to the surgeon for requesting the panel so that Allen could start treatments early. Three weeks after Allen was born was our first visit to the CF clinic. Allen has an incredible care team of doctors, nurses, and specialists that have kept him healthy for the past eight years! We have also been blessed with incredible friends and family and could never thank them enough for all they have done, especially in those first few years.

There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young.

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.

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.