My Great Strides Story
Sara Monks Geringer
Fundraising for Gateway Chapter Great Strides
Sara Monks Geringer
This team walks in memory of Andy Miller.
We continue to see tremendous progress among individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and those undergoing new therapies. For example, children and adults are reaching birthday milestones and health victories that were never thought possible. But not all with CF are celebrating. Advancements in care do not fit all CF patient needs. Only when CF = Cure Found, will all people impacted by CF be able to breathe easily, free from the disease and its effects. We walk to raise awareness and to support a cure.
My cousin, Andy Miller, was born on April 29, 1975, and diagnosed with CF quickly. At the time of his diagnosis, his care team predicted that he would not see his 18th birthday. But he defied the odds. Andy received regular treatment, exceptional disease management, and benefited from a double-lung transplant in 2001. He lived well and enjoyed fishing, farming, hunting, and caring for his trucks and vintage Trans Am. While we did not live close to Andy, we were fortunate to enjoy dinner and memories after monthly checkups with his transplant team. Andy worked full-time, assisted on the family farm, and supported the CF Foundation (CFF) in his community. He understood that his condition, while challenging, still allowed him a fulfilling life and not everyone with CF was so fortunate.
In late summer 2023, Andy contracted respiratory illnesses that would ultimately be stronger than his transplanted lungs. After several weeks in the Intensive Care Unit, Andy was called Home on September 16, 2023. He enjoyed 48 years on this Earth and put-up a fight to stay here longer. His presence was a gift. Each day beyond his 18th birthday is one we had not planned on but were so grateful to have.
Prior to his passing, Andy raised funds for CFF through Great Strides so that the research and medical advancements that benefitted him, could be available for others. This year, we ask for your support in advancing the CFF in Andy’s memory and that one day, CF = Cure Found.
We continue to see tremendous progress among individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF) and those undergoing new therapies. For example, children and adults are reaching birthday milestones and health victories that were never thought possible. But not all with CF are celebrating. Advancements in care do not fit all CF patient needs. Only when CF = Cure Found, will all people impacted by CF be able to breathe easily, free from the disease and its effects. We walk to raise awareness and to support a cure.
My cousin, Andy Miller, was born on April 29, 1975, and diagnosed with CF quickly. At the time of his diagnosis, his care team predicted that he would not see his 18th birthday. But he defied the odds. Andy received regular treatment, exceptional disease management, and benefited from a double-lung transplant in 2001. He lived well and enjoyed fishing, farming, hunting, and caring for his trucks and vintage Trans Am. While we did not live close to Andy, we were fortunate to enjoy dinner and memories after monthly checkups with his transplant team. Andy worked full-time, assisted on the family farm, and supported the CF Foundation (CFF) in his community. He understood that his condition, while challenging, still allowed him a fulfilling life and not everyone with CF was so fortunate.
In late summer 2023, Andy contracted respiratory illnesses that would ultimately be stronger than his transplanted lungs. After several weeks in the Intensive Care Unit, Andy was called Home on September 16, 2023. He enjoyed 48 years on this Earth and put-up a fight to stay here longer. His presence was a gift. Each day beyond his 18th birthday is one we had not planned on but were so grateful to have.
Prior to his passing, Andy raised funds for CFF through Great Strides so that the research and medical advancements that benefitted him, could be available for others. This year, we ask for your support in advancing the CFF in Andy’s memory and that one day, CF = Cure Found.
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