I was born in 1992. The average life expectancy of a child born with Cystic Fibrosis, a chronic condition that affects the lungs and digestive system, in 1992 was 29 to 30 years of age. That means, myself being 33 years old, if I had friends in school or classes who had CF, there is a high possibility that those friends may be gone or on their way. Can you imagine being told, as a kid, your life has a cut off age? I do not even want to discuss what people born prior to 1992 had as an average life expectancy. However, through the work and effort of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, the life expectancy for a child born between 2020 and 2024 is 65 years old, but then why do we continue to host events, fundraise, and raise awareness for CF? The simple answer, there is still NO CURE. Why do anything halfway? My name is Ben Stephany, and I have 2 cousins, Easton and Krew, who live with Cystic Fibrosis. 

     
     The Great Strides Walk Events that take place nationwide are one of the CF Foundation’s biggest fundraisers and campaigns to raise awareness. The CF Foundation has never received any funding from the Federal Government and has relied solely on donations and fundraisers to continue their research and help families afford the cost of medications and doctors appointments. Trikafta, one of the most expensive but effective medicines, costs around $300,000 annually. In cases of families, similar to my cousins, with multiple siblings, that number doubles and becomes around $600,000. Now add on doctors visits, unplanned medical emergencies, and other possible treatments and this becomes the amount a family has to pay just so their kids or other members can live a more normal life. 

     
     There is so much more I could talk about when it comes to CF, but if you are reading this I am hoping you will donate to my walk this year. I, unfortunately, have had many surgeries, including 3 achilles surgeries, since 2021 leading to me not being able to participate or fundraise like I had in past years. Last year, 2025, was the first year in 4 years I was able to walk the 5k distance. This year, 2026, I want to make it the best year yet. Firstly, if able and willing, I would love for you to donate towards the cause. Any amount is appreciated and will go to the CF Foundation to continue research in medical advances and helping families offset costs of medications and treatments. Secondly, if you are free May 2nd, 2026 at 11:00am, come walk with us. This event will be held in Fond du Lac, WI and start at the Eagles Club, which is right next to Lakeside Park. Thank you for your time, and I hope to see some of you out there with us. Let’s make CF stand for “CURE FOUND”.