My Great Strides Story
Caren Crase
Fundraising for Gateway Great Strides 2026
Caren Crase
When I was born, my parents were told I would live to be 4 years old. Due to money raised each year and hours of research, today I am 53 years old.
I've been through surgeries, iv medications, countless pills, pulmonary rehab, CPT, PFT'S, chest xrays, CT scans, mri's, blockages, hospitalizations, allergic reactions,Breathing treatments, Tobi. Pulmozyme, Cayston, CFTR Modulators.....I could go on. At my last Clinic visit the Doctor and I had a talk. He was thankful that I was able to start Trikafta when I did, ( November 2019) if I hadn't, he said I would have been transplanted by now. We also talked about how just a few years ago he never would have thought I'd be taking care of my parents. Being with my Mom through the end of her life. (This last year has been super rough, how do you let go of someone who was one of your main supporters?) Now, I look after Dad. I thank God for giving me such supportive parents, I'm giving back to them what they gave to me all these years.
This year has brought on whole new health issues. I now have high blood pressure and swelling in my legs and feet. One blood pressure I medicine I tried caused my Creatinine level to rise and landed me in the hospital.
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I'm walking to help change that reality.
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.
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.
I've been through surgeries, iv medications, countless pills, pulmonary rehab, CPT, PFT'S, chest xrays, CT scans, mri's, blockages, hospitalizations, allergic reactions,Breathing treatments, Tobi. Pulmozyme, Cayston, CFTR Modulators.....I could go on. At my last Clinic visit the Doctor and I had a talk. He was thankful that I was able to start Trikafta when I did, ( November 2019) if I hadn't, he said I would have been transplanted by now. We also talked about how just a few years ago he never would have thought I'd be taking care of my parents. Being with my Mom through the end of her life. (This last year has been super rough, how do you let go of someone who was one of your main supporters?) Now, I look after Dad. I thank God for giving me such supportive parents, I'm giving back to them what they gave to me all these years.
This year has brought on whole new health issues. I now have high blood pressure and swelling in my legs and feet. One blood pressure I medicine I tried caused my Creatinine level to rise and landed me in the hospital.
There is currently no cure for cystic fibrosis and too many people with CF die young. I'm walking to help change that reality.
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.
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.
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